THE MAN SPEAKS ROUGHLY TO US

Author: Giami, Barididum Evangeline (Ph.D.)

Musical Analysis

The composition “The Man Speaks Roughly to Us,” is a scene from the opera book, “Joseph and His Brothers,” composed by the author. The dramatic encounter of Joseph’s brothers in Egypt with that of Joseph himself is narrated in a reporting speech to their father Jacob; and Jacob’s reaction to his son’s narrative is the story of this composition. The text is lifted from the book of Genesis 42:30-38.

Modulation
As the tone of speech changes in this operatic work, modulations are created to reflect the changes in speech. Benwardand Saker (2009) discuss modulation as “a process that results in a shift of tonal centre. The term applies to those occasions in music when one established tonal centre gives way to another” (P. 315). Modulation is also the process of moving from the home key of a musical composition to establish another key within the piece of music. The modulation moved to the submediant major of the tonic G. This is found in bars 67-60.

Performance Interpretation: For the optimal performance of this work, the following should be considered.
a) A good musical interpretation of the text.
b) Good breath control.
c) A good articulation of words.
d) Proper costume for the composition

Textual Analysis
The text shows the blindness of envy and jealousy. Joseph, being sold by his brothers, recognised his brothers when he saw them. However, despite all of Joseph’s interrogations, his brothers could not recognise him. When humans are carried away with envy, hatred, and greed, it clouds their sense of recognition and thoughts.

Cast: Joseph’s brothers, Jacob and Reuben.

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References

Benward, B. & Saker, M. (2009). Music in theory and practice. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc,

Author

Giami, Barididum Evangeline (Ph.D.)