Lizzy's Refusal ... (originally written 7/14/11)

Yesterday, I uploaded the new arrangement of "26 The Refusal". This particular version has been with the show for quite a while and I became particularly intrigued with its construction as I arranged it for the four instruments.The scene itself is one of the most passionate and explosive of the entire show and ends the first act ...

"The Refusal" unexpectedly begins a capella. Lizzy sings without any accompaniment in response to "Darcy's Proposal" and then there is awkward silence. (cricket, cricket) It is the silence that begs for action. We feel so uncomfortable with the silence (often audiences will laugh nervously) that we are relieved when a repetitive ostinato begins. Those of us who know the story know that excitement will ensue; those who do not, know that something important is about to happen.

While the accompaniment begins in poised fashion, there is a feeling of harnessed emotion. It has the feeling of a beautiful and powerful horse who may not be able to be broken. As the lyrics unfold, the song demands that the accompaniments explode as Lizzy and Darcy hurl accusations at each other. Amidst dissonant chords and motives from previous scenes, Lizzy and Darcy are honest with each other, which later make it possible for them to build a true relationship.

The horn has a vital function because it acts like a tether anchoring the words in the harmonic structure. It also provides the countermelodies indicating the nobility of each character. The violin and cello function as the musical conversations between Darcy and Lizzy and the piano adds the percussive elements, which make things pretty exciting by the end.

It is an adrenaline-rushing piece ... and I am curious to hear how it translates in real time with the addition of the horn, violin and cello. When working with the score, everything is in my head ... and when working between a piano score that is in my head and the arrangements that are in my head, the translation occurs in theory. It is always exciting to hear a score "realized" and in real time. In this case, it will be exciting to hear Lizzy once again refuse Mr. Darcy ... "Take that! Mr. Darcy!"