Old as Time

Tale as Old as Time (1).png

Performers: Claire Gunsbury, Flute

Pedro d”Avila, Piano

Instrumentation: Flute and Piano

Duration: 12 min.

Program Notes: Old As Time is a duo for flute and piano that tells the timeless story of Beauty and the Beast with 5 musical snapshots that focus on important moments in the story.  Beauty and the Beast is a classic folk tale that has stood the test of time and keeps on appearing across many different cultures. Throughout this piece, each movement tells the classic tale from the perspective of a different variation and concentrates on moments that are unique to or characteristic of that specific version.

Movement 1, A Choice, is based on the French version of Beauty and the Beast. This movement aims to capture the timeless feeling of the beginning of a fairytale along with the internal dialogue of Belle's choice to take the place of her father in the Beast's castle. 

Movement 2, Echo on a Snowy Cliff, is based on the Norwegian version of Beauty and the Beast titled East of the Sun and West of the Moon. This movement depicts Belle's feeling of loneliness and uncertainty after the castle and her polar bear both vanish into thin air and leave her alone with nothing on a snowy cliff. 

Movement 3, Beyond the Impossible, is based on the Greek version of Beauty and the Beast titled Cupid and Psyche. This movement captures Psyche's (Belle's) unwavering determination and resilience as she goes on a dangerous quest to complete three impossible tasks in order to rescue her beloved Cupid (the Beast).

Movement 4, Selfless is based on the Russian version of Beauty and the Beast titled The Scarlet Flower. This movement explores the selfless nature Belle has in the midst of her inner conflict between taking care of her sick father and saving the Beast from dying of a lonely heart. 

Movement 5, Transformations, is based on my interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. This movement highlights Belle's strong character and adds a twist to the classic ending by focusing on Belle's transformation into a strong independent woman rather than the standard transformation of only the Beast at the end of the tale. In this variation, both Belle and the Beast have transformed: Belle, as a doctor, uses her knowledge of medicine to save the life of the Beast, and the Beast's heart is softened, restoring his faith in humanity. 


Old as Time

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