Children's and Liturgical Opera Company, LLC
www.chancelopera.com

LITURGICAL OPERA: The Brave Knight

THE BRAVE KNIGHT

a children's chancel opera based on the tale by James Russell Lowell
by Susan Hulsman Bingham

 
Two late 13th / early 14th century knights, wearing full mail armour and great helms at a joust (Codex Manesse).
 

CAST:

Beggar/Jesus, Very Good Persons 1, 2, 3, and 4; Unworthy Person, Sir Lounfal, Disciples (number can vary), a Lively Steed, Townspeople, Knights and Ladies (numbers may vary and parts may double with other parts).
Orff instruments ideal: marimbas, shakers, bells, tubular bells, guitar, clarinet, and keyboard. All parts are easy except the keyboard part.

ACCOMPANIMENT:

Disciples and Townspeople serve as the chorus

CHORUS:

DANCE:

optional

PROPS:

large golden chalice, knights' and ladies' garb.

English
LANGUAGE:

MUSICAL STYLE:

chant-like, melodic, simple

SOURCE OF TEXTS:

Tale by James Russell Lowell

SCENES:

one

15 minutes

DURATION:

PREMIER:

World premier Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA

   
SYNOPSIS

Jesus and his disciples are drinking wine from a beautiful golden chalice. After Jesus has risen, the disciples cherish the chalice and then, when they become old, they carefully pass it on to worthy people. One day, however, the chalice falls into the hands of someone unworthy. Many go in search for it, including Sir Lounfal, a young knight.

On the night before Sir Lounfal departs for his journey, he dreams that it is already morning and that it is time to set out. A beggar approaches him, and Sir Lounfal shuns him. Years pass, and Sir Lounfal, tired and discouraged at not having found the Holy Grail, finds himself once again near his childhood home. At the entrance gate, the same beggar asks for alms. This time, Sir Lounfal gives food and water to the beggar, whereupon the beggar reveals himself to be Jesus.

Sir Lounfal wakes and realizes that it is not necessary for him to go on a pilgrimage to find the Holy Grail: the Holy Grail is already in our hearts, manifesting as love.
 
Knights and Ladies in our world premiere performance
at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA

Composer's comment: Staging can be very simple and pageant-like. Cast can include children as young as age 4 if they can walk calmly in a circle. Easy to pull together with a minimum of time. Practice CD available upon request for $10.

Musical score for THE BRAVE KNIGHT: $50 plus $8 shipping and handling within the U.S.



Practice CD of The Brave Knight: $10. Includes shipping and handling within the U.S. Includes shipping within the U.S.

 

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