Composer’s Note:

The Great Panjandrum Himself was written for R Kelvin Mccartney Adesso, a multitalented composer and performer. Although Kelvin is an incredible artist capable of producing a plethora of unique special vocal effects, I chose to take advantage of their amazing stage presence and dramatic talents. The piece uses a nonsense text written by Samuel Foote (1 720-1 777). The work was published with accompanying illustrations by Randolph Caldecott (1 846-1 886.) I was drawn to the bewildering silliness of the text. (Think of another work such as Hey diddle, diddle, the cat and the fiddle.) The accompanying illustrations simply added to its undeniable appeal. In this time when we are all constantly bombarded with serious, potentially life-altering issues, we need a break from time to time with a little lighthearted levity.

This piece is for vocalist and piano. There are additional parts for bass drum and kazoo. Both of these instruments can be played by the vocalist. Alternatively, additional performers can play either or both of these instruments. If a kazoo is not used, one of the performers can sing the part. An additional person may be needed to operate an optional PowerPoint slideshow.

The work should be performed with the utmost, over-the-top, exaggerated theatrics to best reflect the bewildering nonsense of the text. A few emotional cues and stage directions appear in the score, but the performers are free to stage the work any way they please. All performers on stage should partake in the histrionics. The performers can act out actions, wear costumes, use additional props, etc. The optional PowerPoint file is included in a link printed in the score.