The Blue Stars Explore The Paradox Of War And Peace
Show Announcement With Repertoire
The Blue Stars have announced their 2022 production titled Of War And Peace.
War and Peace Symphonic Suite
by Serge Prokofiev
Ballad of an Unknown Boy
by Serge Prokofiev
Variations for Oboe and Military Band
by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov
No One Else
by Dave Malloy
Confrontation on Eadu
by Michael Giacchino
Dust and Ashes
by Dave Malloy
The sword wrapped in an olive branch really catches your eye in that photo above, doesn’t it? Can each exist on its own or do they have to remain in balance for Eternity?
I believe it is against the law to do a War And Peace theme without using Prokofiev so plenty of his work will be featured this Summer. Ballad of an Unknown Boy is the album name for Prokofiev’s film score from the movie Ivan the Terrible. Fun Fact: Stalin banned Part II of the movie because he didn’t like it.
Confrontation on Eadu is from the film score for Rogue One. I will pay you five dollars to go listen to that piece without turning the comment section in to a fight over which Star Wars movie was better. This selection’s epic middle section is one the Blue Stars are sure to have a blast drilling in your ears. Please let that timpani player go completely bonkers!!!
The two Dave Malloy pieces are from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812. It’s a unique adaptation of Part 8 of Tolstoy’s War And Peace. Natasha sings No One Else while Pierre sings Dust And Ashes. I can see these two pieces joining forces to create an incredible lyrical section that could work with featured characters or a high/low brass split.
When the Blue Stars released this production earlier today, I immediately reached out to a friend of mine who is one of the Drum Majors for the corps! I asked Mattie Kleespies, during a designated Lunch break, what it felt like when the show concept was announced to the corps. Here was her response:
”The show was revealed to us a couple weeks ago at our full corps May camp. There was already quite a bit of energy surrounding the reunion of our members, so it was a super special moment for us all to be brought together to hear about the production we’d be putting on so soon. And of course, we’re super excited to be continuing the trend of (Michael) Shaprio’s theatrical productions.”
Those last two words sums up this great unit. When the Blue Stars take the field, you go on an immersive adventure. Prepare yourself as this group analyzes war, peace, and how the two concepts are tragically tied together forever.