Depiction of character through music and words Essay Example

Depiction of character through music and words Essay This essay builds on my studies of Carmen and Tristan und Isolde, in which I considered how character can be portrayed through words and music. I shall examine Robert Louis Stevensons short story Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde and one of its many adaptations, from novel to the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn. I shall discuss how the characters are portrayed in the novel through words alone, concentrating mainly on the dual character of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, and then examine the libretto and explore whether the addition of the orchestration and vocal lines of the musical enhance or detract from the portrayal and representation of the character. I shall also explore the depiction of the duality of all the characters within the musical, as I feel that Bricusse and Wildhorn were trying to convey through their adaptation that every person has a dual character and they choose which Facade to present to the world. We will write a custom essay sample on Depiction of character through music and words specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Depiction of character through music and words specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Depiction of character through music and words specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This was certainly the premise of the original story by Stevenson. As Stevenson says in his essay Lay Morals: We should not live alternately with our opposing tendencies in continual see-saw of passion and disgust, but seek some path on which the tendencies shall no longer oppose, but serve each other to common end. The story of the Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde (note that for some reason Stevenson chose not to include the word the at the beginning of the title) was originally written and published in 1886. Stevenson had harboured a fascination with the idea of the duality of human nature and wanted to incorporate the concepts of the opposing sides of good and evil within a story. It is said that the original draft of the novel was written extremely quickly. Lloyd Osbourne, Stevensons stepson, remembers; I dont believe that there was ever such a literary feat before as the writing of Dr Jekyll. I remember the first reading as if it were yesterday. Louis came downstairs in a fever; read nearly half the book aloud; and then, while we were still gasping, he was away again, and busy writing. I doubt if the first draft took so long as three days This sounds almost as if Stevenson was gripped by a fever, a compulsion, just as Jekyll was in the novel. This frantic composition was the direct result of a dream, almost a nightmare, in which Stevenson saw the first transformation of Jekyll into Hyde. This comes from a tale related by Mrs Stevenson who stated that she had woken her husband, thinking he was having a nightmare. He chastised her for waking him, stating that he had been dreaming a fine bogey tale. The premise of the novel is the nature of the characters of Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, who are akin to a dual personality, a single entity disassociated into two separate parts. They are, in fact, what psychologist and therapist Otto Rank refers to as opposing selves. Rank suggests the double in primitive societies is seen as a shadow, representing both the living person and the dead. The shadow outlives the self, achieving immortality, and becoming a guardian angel of sorts. In modern civilisations however, the shadow becomes an omen of death to the self conscious individual. The shadow becomes an opposite, an alter ego, a demon rather than a guardian angel. (Rank 71- 76) This being the case, characterisation and the projection of characteristics is vitally important to the plot. In the novel, Hyde is portrayed from the outset as the demonic and monstrous side of Jekyll, true to the modern civilisation shadow as previously described. He is described as having a kind of black sneering coolness. like Satan (Strange Case p. 32) and also has the appearance of being deformed, pale and dwarfish (Strange Case p. 40). All who see him cannot provide an accurate description of him indeed Poole the butler describes him as a thing as he is at a loss for a more appropriate description. When John Utterson, Jekylls friend and lawyer, encounters Hyde, he describes him as being ugly, as if deformed but cannot specifically state why. Given the fact that Hydes alter ego Jekyll is their friend, this could be because they are aware of some familiarity about Hyde but have no idea what that familiarity is. Indeed their minds probably prevent them from consciously making the horrific connection. Jekylls character in the novel is seen through Uttersons eyes until the final chapter. We therefore construct an observers view of Jekyll, relying on second and third hand accounts of events and occurrences, and so perhaps not empathising with the character as we could have done if the story had been told from Jekylls point of view from the start. This was probably Stevensons intention indeed he was attempting to present the duality of man as a dangerous thing, something which, if it wasnt acknowledged, could be catastrophic. This danger is proven in the novel, as all the characters within it are lacking in their own self knowledge, and therefore fail to understand the links between duality, demons and death. The readers of the novel are therefore left to find their own solution as to the mystery of the case of Jekyll and Hyde, and Stevenson leads us to understand the danger of failure to understand our own duality by making it clear that Jekyll fears exposure more than death. This is why he eventually commits suicide towards the end of the novel as he resolves to be his own murderer in order to conceal Hydes identity and prevent him from continuing to dominate his personality. Bricusse and Wildhorns Broadway musical version of Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde entitled simply Jekyll and Hyde was written as a musical for the Broadway stage, and although originally musical theatre was a light diversion, usually with a domestic narrative, the genre progressed to being something that may include overt analysis and social comment, often encompassing psychological and symbolic focuses (Snelson). This describes the style of this musical. Snelson also states that early musical theatre principally interpolated popular songs into light plots but then later almost any subject was thought suitable for the musical, which was often presented as through sung with extensive use of musical motif. Although not completely through sung, Jekyll and Hyde does make use of musical motif. This adaptation, whilst remaining true to the general premise of Stevensons original story, treats it in a different way in order to ensure its feasibility as a musical theatre piece. Instead of being told from Uttersons point of view completely, we are introduced to the story by Utterson in the prologue and then we see much more of Jekylls character than we ever do in the original novel. I feel this is to help the audience to empathise with him indeed were we to feel the same revulsion for him as we are encouraged to do in the novel the musical would not work, as it is necessary to have a certain pathos for the leading protagonist in order to care what becomes of him in the denouement. It is interesting to explore the differences in the depiction of the character, and also to consider the similarities, the facets of Jekyll and Hydes characters which Bricusse and Wildhorn felt necessary to include in their adaptation. Some adjectives and descriptive phrases from the original story are included in the libretto for the musical. Jekylls dialogue and lyrics for his songs are passionate, intelligent, determined and well meaning. They convey a well meaning, caring character who genuinely wants to help people and make the world a better place. In his first song, Lost in the Darkness it is made clear that he cares for his father and wants to help him out of his mental illness. He genuinely believes he can do this through the use of a scientific potion he has been working on and is prevented from doing this by his superiors at the hospital. He begins the song tenderly with an understanding of his fathers mental state (Lost in the darkness, silence surrounds you, once there was morning, now endless night) and at the end of the song promises his father that he will continue in his work (I will find the answer, Ill never desert you, I promise you this til the day that I die. ) The song begins in the key of G# Minor, modulating to the major key in the second verse when Jekyll is addressing his father directly, imploring him to hear his words and his promise this emphasises his intentions and his tender side. The music then reverts to the minor key in preparation for the next song which sets the theme for the entire show. In Jek ylls songs with Emma Carew, his fianci e, he is caring and tender again, his sincerity and love for Emma are conveyed through his words, as is his passion for his work. Their first duet, Take Me as I Am is written in B flat major and is in the style of a classic love duet. Jekyll expresses his need for Emma (and when despair tears me in two who can I turn to but you? ) but this also hints at what is to come, the separation of both sides of his personality, and when this eventually does happen he finds that, in fact, he cannot turn to Emma, as he wants to protect her from the truth. Instead he turns to a kind hearted prostitute, Lucy Harris, who is the opposite of Emma, as Hyde is the opposite of Jekyll. He also turns to Utterson, his friend and lawyer. Considering the rest of the lyrics of this song, it does appear to be an allegory for the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll states to Emma that she knows him well ( You know who I am, take me as I am ) and he also asks her to swear they will never part. The line though fate wont always do what we desire, still we can set the world on fire also appears to be prophetic, as indeed fate plays a cruel part in Jekylls life, and fire is symbolic throughout Jekyll talks about his burning ambition, Hyde talks about the evil burning inside him (burning with primitive fire) and in the duet Dangerous Game with Lucy, Jekyll likens their relationship to a sin with no name, like a hand in a flame. Fire is also mentioned by John Utterson in his song with Jekyll after the first transformation, Your Work and Nothing More. He states You have your work and nothing more, you are possessed, what is your demon? Youve never been this way before, where is the fire you built your dream on? This tells us that others are noticing the change in Jekyll, his change in attitude and priorities. Fire is also used symbolically within the setting of the musical, which enhances and echoes the sentiments of the libretto. The symbolism of fire is appropriate for the pr esence of Satan which is ever apparent in the personality of Hyde he is likened to Satan, and states that he will always have Satan by his side. In Jekylls song Now There Is No Choice, we see his resolution to carry out his dream, and also this is the first suggestion we have in this adaptation that there is perhaps another motive for his experiments and theories he wants recognition and glory, One great golden chance that only I can take, when everything Ive fought for is at stake, to make the mark that only I can make. This reveals a determined and reckless side to his character, as he is prepared to risk everything, even his own life, to prove his theories. However, he was also prepared to experiment with subjects from his fathers mental asylum, and only subsequent to being turned down by the board of governors did he decide to use himself as the subject. So perhaps he is now also becoming a desperate man? Throughout what has become known as the musicals anthem, This Is The Moment Jekyll prepares to take his potion and begin his experiment. The song is in E Major, which gives a positive, uplifting feeing to it, and the lyrics talk of Jekylls hopes for the future and his confidence that his experiment will work. This is the moment, this is the day, when I send all my doubts and demons on their way) It conveys his determination, and his derision for those who have been against his theories (For all these years, Ive faced the world alone, and now the time has come to prove to them Ive made it on my own) There is an important line in the song Ill gather up my past, and make some sense at last which hints at the possibility that Jekyll has perhaps done things in his past that he is not happy about and wants to atone for them by proving he can do some good for mankind. Later in the song he becomes more confident, more egotistical, and sings This is the moment, damn all the odds, this day or never Ill sit forever with the Gods again suggesting he feels that what he is doing is worthy of note and will win him acclaim and recognition. This is also the last song Jekyll sings before he releases Hyde and begins to be taken over by him. We see a proud man, determined, ambitious and driven, about to initiate the beginning of his own downfall. In the song Transformation, we see the first effects of the potion as Jekyll describes his symptoms and feels he could be dying. He can feel the power of his evil side taking hold of him (Something inside me, a breathtaking pain, devours and consumes me and drives me insane) He also reveals his initial revulsion for the character he has released (Who is this creature that I see? ) Hyde then takes over and sings the chilling Alive with short, powerful and rhythmic phrases, revelling in the feeling of power and invincibility, celebrating the sensation of being filled with evil( I have a thirst that I cannot deprive, never have I felt so alive) It is difficult to remember that this is in fact a part of Jekylls personality that we are witnessing, so different is it from the character we have seen so far, and yet we are reminded throughout the song as Hyde states that he has never felt so good, so strong , so alive. Released from the constraints of social etiquette and expected respectability, the unsavoury side of Jekyll becomes powerful, ruthless, and free. The same happens in the reprise of Alive, after Hyde has wandered the streets and committed his first murder. In contrast to Jekyll singing about sitting with the Gods, Hyde states I feel Ill live on forever, with Satan himself as my guide, and Ill show the world that tonight and forever, the name to remembers the name Edward Hyde! ) Both sides of Jekylls character want recognition and fame for completely different reasons although, ironically, recognition of either side will prove that Jekylls theory was indeed true, if poorly thought out and underestimated. The next song we hear from Jekyll is the haunting Obsession in which he considers what is happening to him and accepts that Hyde is indeed a darker side of himself, and that he must have been harbouring these feelings and depravities deep inside himself in order for them to be brough t to the fore by Hyde. We hear Jekylls remorse, his self doubt, and his desperation. We also hear resignation and exhaustion. What streak of madness lies inside of me, what is the truth my fears conceal, what evil force makes Edward Hyde of me, what darker side of me does he reveal? Am I the man that I appear to be, or am I someone I dont know? Jekyll is desperate, feeling himself being dominated by the character of Hyde, and yet he manages to gather his strength and resolves to put things to rights, to conquer the evil inside himself and get back to where he began. In the song The Way Back he remembers the dream he first had, the reasons he wanted to undertake his experiments, and that the good side of him is what matters. He sings Somehow Ive got to rebuild all the dreams that the winds have scattered, from what fate has shattered, Ill retrieve what mattered. He also asks God for his help, in contrast to Hyde being with Satan (God you must help me carry on, when it seems all hope has gone) The most effective song through which to examine the way the characters are portrayed in the musical is the Confrontation wherein Jekyll and Hyde battle for survival. It begins with Jekyll singing a reprise of the first verse of Lost In The Darkness, which takes us, and him, back to the beginning of the story. This time, however, it seems it is he who is lost in the darkness, he who is experiencing endless night rather ironic when we consider it was his original intention to free his own father from such a plight. Hyde then takes over and sings, again with short, rhythmic phrases, telling Jekyll he will never set him free, never let him go. He expresses his supremacy over Jekyll (Im what you see when you face in the mirror. ong as you live I will still be here You cant control me, I live deep inside you. Each day youll feel me devour your soul) Jekyll tries to reply, tries to tell Hyde he will be rid of him, but Hyde states that he will never be free of him, that in fact Jekyll IS Hyde, and always will be. This confrontation signifies Jekylls realisation that as long as he lives, Hyde will live too as they are one and the same. His repeated shout s of NO! convey his desperation, his anger, and his refusal to admit that he has such an evil side. The music and orchestration of this piece add considerably to the atmosphere of the musical as a whole and to the representation of each side of Jekylls character. The roles of the orchestrator is vital in the success of a piece of musical theatre Snelson states that in the 1960s, orchestration progressed from the traditional woodwind, brass and strings structure to a sound more akin to a big band, centred on reeds and brass, supported by drum kit and (often electric) bass. He says this created the archetypal Broadway sound to which we are now accustomed. This certainly is true of this score. In addition to excellent orchestration, as in Bizets Carmen and also in Wagners Tristan und Isolde Wildhorn utilises leitmotifs throughout the piece to signify which character is dominant at a particular time. The use of motif and leitmotif in the composition of music has been apparent for centuries Sadie (1985, p. 59) states that Composers have always used melodic recurrence as a means of giving shape and artistic unity to a composition. He also goes on to say that . it may be a phrase, of perhaps six or seven notes, or even a motif, or a figure, of two or three. Sadie explains that the composer uses the motif persistently, so that it becomes familiar to the listener and imprints itself on their mind, therefore giving the piece a sense of unity. Specific instruments are also used to enhance the quality of each song and to intensify and exaggerate the personality and mood of each side of the character. Jekylls songs, before the introduction of Hyde, are written in the major key, with the exception of the first song, Lost in the Darkness, which begins in G# Minor but has a Major section, reverting back to the Minor towards the end. Take Me As I Am and This is the Moment are written in B flat major and E major respectively and as such are positive, uplifting and essentially Broadway Musical style songs. In contrast, the songs sung by Hyde, and also the Confrontation, which involves both personalities, are written in the minor key. Alive and the Alive reprise are written in A Minor, Confrontation and Dangerous Game are in E Minor, and the song I Need To Know, despite being sung by Jekyll, is in C# Minor as it is subsequent to Jekyll having begun to be dominated by Hyde. These minor keys create a sense of foreboding, of menace and danger, and are very effective in conveying the characteristics of both Jekyll and Hyde as the story unfolds. Another effective way of enhancing the portrayal of the characters is through the use of different orchestration. For Jekylls songs, the scoring mainly uses piano, keyboard and strings, particularly violin and viola. This creates a light, mellow but thought provoking atmosphere, and suggests a character who thinks deeply, who is sensitive and who is not threatening. In comparison, the orchestration for Hydes songs also includes piano, but always alongside frantic fast percussion and drum rhythm. Tremolo is used to great effect in the string section, which creates tension and suggests the anticipation of impending disaster. Hydes songs are also enhanced by choral backing, occasionally using whispered text which is a repeat of lyrics sung by Hyde himself, but mainly singing, in harmony in minor chords, on an ah sound, creating an almost ethereal effect, an eerie addition to the orchestration which sounds threatening, frightening and intimidating. This adds to the effect of Hyde being like Satan. There are several time signature changes in Hydes songs, reflecting his unpredictability, and strong, punchy brass is used to punctuate his vocal line. His melody lines are short, repetitive and contain many accidentals, flattened or natural notes which further enhance the effect of the use of the minor keys. Hydes songs are driven, relentless, and have strong, final endings. All these aspects of orchestration underpin the strength and urgency of Hydes character. Later on in the score, as Jekyll begins to be dominated by Hyde, we hear the instruments which have signified Hydes character beginning to appear in Jekylls songs. This is most apparent in Confrontation wherein although in the beginning Jekylls motif is clearly signified, eventually the brass, glissando in the strings section and the choral section begin to become more dominant than Jekylls instrumentation as Hyde emerges as the dominant force. I will conclude by stating that I feel the depiction of character in the musical Jekyll and Hyde is very effective. Although the main protagonist (and, incidentally, antagonist) is more prominent in the musical than in the original novel, I do not feel that this detracts from the narrative indeed I feel it adds depth to the character and helps us as the audience to be drawn into the action and to empathise with a character who we could have regarded with disdain and disgust. The libretto by Leslie Bricusse uses the clever repetition of phrases from the original novel, the addition of extra characters to give the protagonists existence more credence, and lyrics which give an insight into the emotions, motivations and dilemmas of the characters. Upon reading the original novel, I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters no empathy was encouraged and the reader was never given the opportunity to discover the true personalities of the people involved in the story. The musical addresses this by providing more background to the characters and their relationships with each other, making them more believable and encouraging more depth of thought on the part of the audience as the tale signifies that the horrendous subject matter of the story could indeed apply to any living human being. After all In all of us there is the duality of good and evil and the only thing that is constant is change. (Stevenson, 1886)