00:00 | I. Prelude: A Walk Through the Conservatory
01:21 | II. The First Rehearsal
04:49 | III. The Dispirited Pack-up
06:01 | IV. The School's Closure Looms
07:43 | V. The Second Rehearsal: Difficulty Beyond Sensibility - Three Short Dances by Vladisláv Hórrörski
07:58 | i. Szédületesen dühös és sietséges tánc
09:02 | ii. Leginkább pihentető meditáció, minden
fenyegető érzés nélkül
10:15 | iii. Szuper gyors részeg tánc
11:31 | VI. A Chilling Separation
14:13 | VII. The Final Performance
17:54 | VIII. Curtains Close
Camilo Aybar - Instrument Story Suite
Published 2024-07-12
"Performed" by MuseSounds
Teamed with three other composers at the Victoria Conservatory, I was appointed to write incidental music to an audio fiction work in collaboration with writers from the Story Studio Writers Society. Unfortunately, all of the writers withdrew from the project at its inception and left us alone to write a story of our own. Being musicians, we decided to write a narrative following a sextet of sentient instruments in what one could describe as a musical instrument version of Toy Story, thus coining my unofficial title: Instrument Story.
Despite our resilience in adapting to this unexpected change, the project sadly never came to fruition. While a full script and complete musical score exist for this audio fiction work, deadlines were not properly met for music and voice actor's recording, and interest in this project fell through—akin to the narrative of the story—of how despite the instrument's resilience despite hardships, their goals were not ultimately achieved. As with Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) Suite (Op. 15)—another instance of Aybar's music not being utilized to its full original potential, I publish my share of the music composed for this audio fiction work for those to enjoy as a concert suite.
Synopsis:
Instrument Story, scored and written by four composers at the Victoria Conservatory, is an imaginative yet unrealized audio fiction that follows a group of neglected musical instruments navigating their emotions and conflicts within the hallowed halls of an old music school. The story begins with Piano, a seasoned resident of the Conservatory, introducing the sextet of characters: a scruffy French Horn, a diva-like Saxophone, a wise Euphonium, and loud but good-hearted Drums. Each instrument harbour their own insecurities and aspirations as they prepare for a major competition with significant prize money that could save their beloved school from closing due to financial troubles.
Tensions rise as the instruments struggle to harmonize both literally and figuratively. The French Horn feels neglected and insecure, the Saxophone’s arrogance grates on the others, and the Euphonium tries to keep peace, while the Drums’ boisterous nature often disrupts the practice. Meanwhile, the Violin and Viola return from the rental circuit, bringing with them a sense of nostalgia and a troubling secret: Violin believes it is cursed after a catastrophic solo performance where a string broke.
The Saxophone, determined to showcase its virtuosity, chooses "Three Short Dances" by evil Hungarian composer Hórrörski, a notoriously difficult piece that challenges the entire group. As practice sessions unfold, the instruments' personalities clash, leading to heated arguments and moments of despair. The Saxophone’s insistence on perfection and individualism contrasts sharply with the group's need for unity. The story reaches a critical point when the Euphonium reveals a devastating secret: the school’s closure is imminent, and he has been complicit in keeping the group calm and unfocused to secure his own comfortable retirement.
In a dramatic turn, the instruments find themselves in disarray, with Violin contemplating leaving for good and the group scattered. It takes the persistent efforts of the French Horn, inspired by the steadfast Drums, to remind everyone of the power of unity and the importance of their collective effort. The instruments gradually come together, realizing that they need to embrace their imperfections and support each other to save the school and their dreams.
Despite their newfound harmony and determination, their efforts come too late. The story concludes on a tragic note as the school closes its doors, leaving the instruments to face an uncertain future. Instrument Story is a poignant tale of camaraderie, resilience, and the fleeting nature of dreams, reminding listeners that sometimes, even the most beautiful music cannot change the course of fate.
