The Scarecrow (opera)

"The Scarecrow" is an opera commissioned by a consortium of twelve universities. It had its world premiere at the University of Texas at Austin in February-March 2006. The music was written by Joseph Turrin and libretto by Bernard Stambler. The opera is based on Percy MacKaye's play, which was in turn based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's last short story, “Feathertop.”

History

The work was originally started in 1976 but was never orchestrated. With the support of Eastman School of Music, Hartt School of Music, Yale University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of North Texas, Baylor University, University of Oklahoma, Arizona State, University of New Mexico, Michigan State, and the University of Texas at Austin. The World Premier was performed at the McCullough Theatre, University of Texas at Austin Performing Arts Center on February 24, 26 and March 03, 2006. During these performances, a studio recording of the opera was recorded and produced by Mark Sarisky as one of the four initial releases of the University of Texas at Austin School of Music's recording label, Longhorn Music.

Instrumentation

10 singers

Two flutes (piccolo double), oboe, two clarinets (bass clarinet double), two bassoons (contra bassoon double), two horns, two trumpets, two trombones, harp, piano (harpsichord and celesta double), four cello, bass and two percussionists