Esperanza Spalding | Broken Record (Hosted by Bruce Headlam)

Creative Process

Esperanza Spalding's approach to opera writing is both innovative and challenging. She describes the process as "upside down and inside out," where the music, composed by Wayne Shorter, precedes the libretto, prompting her to draw story and language from the existing musical acts 1. This unconventional method allows her to explore new narrative possibilities and question traditional storytelling structures.

I am not limited to what I've learned is supposed to happen next. That's the key to how I want to break open the ending of this opera.

--- Esperanza Spalding

Spalding's creative process involves a blend of singing, speaking, and improvisation, reflecting her desire to break free from conventional operatic norms 1.

   

Thematic Innovations

In her opera, Spalding seeks to disrupt traditional themes and narratives, particularly focusing on who gets to tell the story. She draws inspiration from the myth of Iphigenia, aiming to give voice to characters traditionally in the background 1. This approach challenges the "tyranny of the individual voice" and opens up new speculative narratives.

What happens if we leave space for an unknown ending to emerge from us?

--- Esperanza Spalding

By incorporating elements of jazz improvisation, Spalding emphasizes the importance of responding to the present moment, allowing for a dynamic and evolving storytelling experience 1.