Composed by Edwin Penhorwood. Full score. E. C. Schirmer Music Company - Digital #7891A-E. Published by E. C. Schirmer Music Company - Digital (MQ.7891A-E).
Edwin Penhorwood’s comedic two-act opera Too Many Sopranos offers a delightful and satirical look into the often-tempestuous world of operatic casting. Premiering in 2000, this one-act gem quickly gained recognition for its witty libretto and engaging score with its clever take on the age-old problem of an abundance of sopranos, vying for a single role. Penhorwood masterfully blends humor with musicality, creating a work that is both genuinely funny and musically sophisticated. Too Many Sopranos has received over 125 productions so far.
Synopsis: Time: The Present
ACT I: The Parlor of Heaven Four Divas arrive in heaven to learn there is not enough room for all of them in the Heavenly Chorus. Because too many tenors and basses are in Hell, only one of the sopranos will be allowed into the chorus. The sopranos are appalled that they must audition, but submit. After their impressive auditions, St. Peter can make no decision. Gabriel therefore mentions the Redemptions Clause: If the sopranos go to Hell and do a selfless deed, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as needed. To protect them in Hell, St. Peter grants them a special disguise.
ACT II: The Caverns of Hades The Divas, St. Peter, and Gabriel arrive in Hell and listen to the stories of some of the tortured souls there. Just Jeanette meets Nelson Deadly and they fall in love. The Sandman arrives with the stage director, Orson and presents a task to the couple: If they don’t fall asleep listening to Orson, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as they want. They fail the test, but because of a selfless act on their part, they are granted the release of the men. There is general rejoicing and all promise St. Peter they will never sing opera again.
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PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page
that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are
only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not
digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not
print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Composed by Edwin Penhorwood. Full score. E. C. Schirmer Music Company - Digital #7891A-E. Published by E. C. Schirmer Music Company - Digital (MQ.7891A-E).
Edwin Penhorwood’s comedic two-act opera Too Many Sopranos offers a delightful and satirical look into the often-tempestuous world of operatic casting. Premiering in 2000, this one-act gem quickly gained recognition for its witty libretto and engaging score with its clever take on the age-old problem of an abundance of sopranos, vying for a single role. Penhorwood masterfully blends humor with musicality, creating a work that is both genuinely funny and musically sophisticated. Too Many Sopranos has received over 125 productions so far.
Synopsis: Time: The Present
ACT I: The Parlor of Heaven Four Divas arrive in heaven to learn there is not enough room for all of them in the Heavenly Chorus. Because too many tenors and basses are in Hell, only one of the sopranos will be allowed into the chorus. The sopranos are appalled that they must audition, but submit. After their impressive auditions, St. Peter can make no decision. Gabriel therefore mentions the Redemptions Clause: If the sopranos go to Hell and do a selfless deed, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as needed. To protect them in Hell, St. Peter grants them a special disguise.
ACT II: The Caverns of Hades The Divas, St. Peter, and Gabriel arrive in Hell and listen to the stories of some of the tortured souls there. Just Jeanette meets Nelson Deadly and they fall in love. The Sandman arrives with the stage director, Orson and presents a task to the couple: If they don’t fall asleep listening to Orson, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as they want. They fail the test, but because of a selfless act on their part, they are granted the release of the men. There is general rejoicing and all promise St. Peter they will never sing opera again.
About Digital Downloads
Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on
your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music,
you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and
you don't have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!
PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page
that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are
only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not
digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not
print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).
Preview: Too Many Sopranos (Additional Full Orchestra Score)
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