I take the long way there: A Capstone Project (2021) is a classical music concert-film, created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through experimental music videos, this film project engages with making art and rediscovering the everyday moments that sustain us through turbulent times.
Featuring Noelle McMurtry (voice) and a vibrant cast of instrumental and vocal collaborators, I take the long way there interprets the works of historic and living women composers in classical music, including Melissa Dunphy, Jessica Krash, Lori Laitman, Clara Schumann, Maddalena Casulana, and Vittoria Aleotti. In December 2021, I take the long way there was awarded Honorable Mention in Boston-based Guerilla Opera Underground’s 2022 Film Series.
For more information on the composers and musical works featured in I take the long way there, check out my projects and research and writing.
Creative Team & Ensemble
Noelle McMurtry; voice, co-director, dramaturg & writer
Caroline Miller; voice, co-director & audio editing
Elizabeth Van Os; voice & director of photography
Marina Iwao, piano
Paula Maust, baroque organ
Flavia Pajaro-Van de Stadt, viola
Eric Sedgwick, piano
Program
i. Sulpicia’s Songs (2015)
Composed by Jessica Krash
Translations by Mary Maxwell
ii. June (2012)
Composed by Melissa Dunphy (b. 1980)
Poetry by Lauren Rile Smith
iii. “The Sunflowers” from the cycle Sunflowers (1999)
Composed by Lori Laitman (b.1955)
Poetry by Mary Oliver (1935-2019), from Dream Work
iv. Madrigals by Renaissance Women Composers
“T’amo mia vita” by Vittoria Aleotti (c. 1575-c. 1620)
“Stavasi il mio bel sol” by Maddalena Casulana (c. 1544-c. 1590)
v. German Romantics: Clara
Op. 12from Zwölf Gedichte aus F. Rückerts Liebesfrühling (1841)
Composed by Clara Schumann (1819-1896)
Poetry by Friederich Rückert (1788-1866)
vi. Farewell, Angelina; arranged for voice and viola (2019)
Composed by Melissa Dunphy (b.1980)
Poetry by Bob Dylan (b.1941)
