What's That Spell?

Composed with creative input from soprano Lisa Bielawa, this is a pop cantata in five movements for two Barbie-like sopranos backed up by a rock and roll chamber orchestra. The two sopranos pose in various roles to sing about the fate of American plastic dolls. Echoing each other in the first movement, the singers chant like cheerleaders as they spell out the name of America's favorite female toy. Their mantra turns into a finger-snapping scat song in Ballerina, a rhythmic march in Drum Majorette, and a lyrical lament in Oh Ken. The final movement returns to the cheerleader incantation and the pulsating rock beat of the opening, then concludes with the two sopranos spellbound on a high D.