Schwertsik, Kurt

Roald Dahl's Goldilocks (1997)

Duration: 35 minutes
for narrator and orchestra, or 8 narrators and orchestra

Libretto by Donald Sturrock, based on Roald Dahl's 'Goldilocks' (E,G)

Scoring
Narrator, or 8 speaking roles 2(II=picc).2.2(II=bcl).2(II=dbn)-2.2.0.0-timp.perc(1):tgl/tpl.bl/SD/BD/cyms/ratchet/whip-strings.
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

World Premiere
12/18/1997
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall -matinee
Conductor: HK Gruber
Company: Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Roles

FOREMAN OF THE JURY (BADGER)	Speaking role
USHER (WEASEL)	Speaking role
DEFENCE LAWYER (FOX)	Speaking role
LION JUDGE	Speaking role
FATHER BEAR	Speaking role
MOTHER BEAR	Speaking role
BABY BEAR	Speaking role
GOLDILOCKS	Speaking role
SUNDRY MEMBERS OF THE JURY AND COURT OFFICIALS

Time and Place
The Forest Assizes

Synopsis

At the Forest Assizes Baby Bear stands accused of assaulting Miss Goldie Locks. Evidence is presented in musical form, often as short, descriptive dances. The Trial begins with a Fanfare. The officials and most of the protagonists enter to the strains of a Jaunty Prelude, while Baby Bear, Judge and Jury enter to a mock-solemn Processional. After some short pleasantries, the Prosecution Hyena evokes the spririt of the idealised storybook Goldilocks, a spirit that, needless to say, is a long way from the truth. A witty, ironic Allegro Grazioso introduces Goldilocks’ Sweet Dance. The Prosecution Hyena then wickedly slanders the Three Bears, portraying them as vicious cut-throat thugs in a Criminal Bears’ Dance, before the Defence Hyena interrupts and begins to paint the true picture of his clients and their terrible trauma at the hands of that "brazen little crook", Goldilocks. Goldie’s true nature is revealed in the fast-moving Foul Dance that follows. Then the story is retold.

Moods
Comic, Dramatic

Subjects
Ethics, Magic/Mystery, Society, Literary