Rumpelstiltskin is a opera based on the Grimms’ folktale, set in the late eighteenth century; libretto in rhyming couplets of mainly iambic tetrameter; tonal melodic music for four singers (soprano, tenor, two baritones), string band (violin I/II, viola, cello, double bass), and walk-ons. Playing-time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Musical Excerpts

From the end of the first act, a MIDI mock-up of a bit of pantomime music, “The Trek to the Dungeon” (1:37):

 

From the third act, a MIDI mock-up of a bit of comic pantomime music again, “The Father’s Grande Révérence” (0:47):

 

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Textual Excerpt

Here’s a snippet from the second act. Sophie (S), who is hopelessly set to spin straw to gold in the king’s dungeon, is come upon unexpectedly by Rumpelstiltskin (R):