House in Heaven

• Main Author: Gan, On C. (On Cally)
• Other Authors: Winsor, Phil, 1938-2012
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1993
• Subjects: theatrical pieces; vocal performance; intrusmental ensamble; Operas > Scores.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500644/

House in Heaven is a theatrical piece for five solo voices (one soprano, two mezzo sopranos, one baritone, and one bass), two trumpets, four French horns, one trombone, two flutes, two clarinets, two bassoons, string orchestra, vibraphone, timpani and a synthesizer which produces pipe organ sound. The composition consists of an introduction followed by a single act in three Scenes. The piece employs the cyclical device in engaging themes associated with particular characters. The texture grows from simple alternating dialogues to arias and, finally, to tutti passages in which all voices are combined to form a quintet, at the climactic point of the entire composition, which occurs at the end of the piece. The scenes depict imaginary events in a Church and at a flower garden. Rear-stage slide projections are used to project the scenes of these locations, and lighting is used to emphasize actions, characters and changes of scene. The singers also serve as actors. The duration of this work is approximately 20 minutes.