L ' I N F E R N O

MUSIC
See SCHEME: MUSIC AND ACTION for each Canticle’s music summary.
(The symbol ♫ on the Programmes is, presumably, an anachronism and needs substituting)
It is natural for spirits to have voices and in a shorter work the music could be entirely a cappella. Here, a few wind
instruments are required. Strings might be avoided. The only non-vocal notes to issue from the stage should come
from Euterpe’s flute [INF C32 12].
Offstage singers may be joined by those on stage. The Muses must be good actresses first and may only mime
singing.
ALREADY WRITTEN
The ecclesiastical music has been programmed by Dante and should be in period. Because there is sometimes
confusion about the names of pieces – for example with Beatitude and Psalm Nos. - I have supplied actual
words where I could find them.
TO BE COMPOSED
Some music needs composing, mostly based on Dante’s description. I have described what I hear in my limited
mind’s-ear. The composer/arranger might hear it very differently.
Motifs or themes which may be used in all three Canticles are
Invocation Response (by Muses)
Be-a-tri-ce
Prophecy
Dream
Some music is beyond mortal voices.
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