John Dimond - the wizard of Marblehead a miniature opera in five vignettes

Abstract

Throughout history, one trait of the Opera genre has been to bring to life and further illuminate fantastical subject matter. As part of this trend, composers often seek to highlight their own national heritage through their choice of subject matter. The Opera presented herein, John Dimond - The Wizard of Marblehead, is set in a Massachusetts shipping village during the period of unrest which led up to the American Revolution, the 1760s. John Dimond was a Seer whose home and property were adjacent to the town cemetery. Legend has it that John Dimond would scream and holler to the ships at sea from atop Old Burial Hill during inclement weather. If you were his friend, he would guide you safely through the storm and squall. If you were his foe, he would likely seek a perilous outcome for you and your crew. The work is scored for three singers, instrumental quintet, piano and Electronics. The two primary goals of the fixed-media portions are to better convey a coastal setting and to add to the mood of the piece with sounds which cannot be produced with traditional instruments.