Quinn Mason THISISTHE ROPE
fornarratorandorchestra
Inspiredbythebook
Score
StorybyJacquelineWoodson
WorldPremiereperformanceconductedbyKyleDickson April2,2023
Thisproductionwascommissionedbythe JohnFKennedyCenterforthePerformingArtsandtheNationalSymphonyOrchestra andwasfirstproducedattheKennedyCenterwiththeNSO duringthe2022-2023season
CAST/SPEAKINGPARTS
Narrator
INSTRUMENTATION
2Flutes 2Oboes
2ClarinetsinBb 2Bassoons
2HornsinF 2TrumpetsinC 2Trombones BassTrombone
Timpani Percussion
1Tambourine,Triangle 2SuspendedCymbal,Vibraphone
Harp
Strings
DURATION
17minutes
ThisIstheRope
thatdrovemygrandmother,whowasamothernow, fromSouthCarolinaallthelongwaytoaplacecalled NewYorkCity
Thisistheropemymamaheldouttothegirls ontheblock,hernewBrooklynblock,ahome oftheirownthattheyfinallyowned
mymamafirsttrippedon asshesangwithherfriends, “MissLucyhadababy, shenamedhimTinyTim”
Thisistheropemymamafoundagain,tenyearslater,whenmygrandfathersaid, Weneedabitofropetotiethesethingsdowninsidethisherecar,likethatropeweusedtohavefrombackhome
Thenhedrovewithmymama,offtoacollegefarawayfrom thecity,whileupatthewindow,mygrandmotherwaved
Thisistheropemydaddyusedwhenheshowedmethewaytotieasailorsknot TwotimesaroundandpullitrealtightYouwantwhateveryoumakeor doinyourlife,mydaddysaid,tolast
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