The University of Delaware is setting up an archive of Robert Moran’s manuscripts. Bob sent out this video of the process, apparently the first of three. Evidently it transpired at his house, prior to a break for dinner and against the looming menace of a Philadelphia parking meter.
The interviewer is James Allen Anderson, Delaware’s director of orchestral activities, who, as music director of the university’s symphony orchestra, has conducted a lot of Bob’s music, including the collaborative opera (with Philip Glass) “The Juniper Tree.”
Even though I’d heard a number of these anecdotes before, there’s still plenty that was new to me. Of course, I loved the little asides that reveal the composer’s feelings about some of his colleagues, or how certain well-known musicians related to one other. Had I known Bob was going to be so enthusiastic about it, I would have suggested he donate his manuscripts a long time ago!
Incidentally, he’s not parting with everything. That box is by no means all-inclusive. I’m told there are at least two more to go. Bob wrote some full-length operas (other than “The Juniper Tree”) and an evening-length ballet on the subject of Alice in Wonderland. Also, he’s planning to hang on to some of the more popular rentals.
The first 55 minutes or so are mostly autobiographical, providing a brisk overview of the composer’s life and all the fascinating people he worked with and encountered. It is not by any measure comprehensive. We don’t really hear any details about his insane performance pieces of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s that involved entire cities – including San Francisco, Bethlehem, PA, and Graz, Austria – or his work for Houston Grand Opera. For those, I hope we won’t have to wait for the definitive biography.
The last 45 minutes consist of random thoughts and anecdotes triggered by going through the manuscripts. There’s even a shout-out to Classic Ross Amico at the 1:31:00 minute mark!
Be forewarned, even though Bob is on his best behavior, there are a few brief interludes that slip into PG-13 territory. Still, for Bob, this is pretty family-friendly.
Also, while you’re at it, do yourself a favor and check out some of his music. It’s not ALL tied up in being a merry prankster.
From the opera “Desert of Roses” (after Beauty and the Beast):
Trinity Requiem (for the tenth anniversary of 9/11):
“Ten Miles High Over Albania” (for eight harps):
“Alice” at the Scottish Ballet:
“Obrigado” (for percussion ensemble):
“Game of the Antichrist” (with giant puppets):
