In Colour

Cover photo by Rowena Bell at
“94 Take The Cake” in Okotoks, AB

Brand new in 2024, “In Colour” poses the question –
“Why would you live your life in black and white
when the world around us is in colour?“

“In Colour” is currently scored for 12-piece musical theatre-style orchestra:
• Contralto and Tenor vocalist
• English Horn and Clarinet
• Trumpet and French Horn
• Violin, ‘cello and Double Bass
• Piano and Drums
• Electric Guitar

The score is currently being reviewed by a prominent Canadian ensemble. Purists are welcome to wait for the premiere performance by real musicians. If you just can’t wait and want to hear it now, here is the computer-generated demo recording featuring my two favourite Cantāmus Vocaloids!

IN COLOUR

I used to see things in black and white
My parents taught me what was wrong and right
Areas of grey filled with uncertainty,
Uncomfortable truths swept aside, cast into the sea.

And as I grew, I looked around,
All I could see was colour!
Some shadows in the corners,
But surrounded by colours!

Why would you live your life in black and white
When the world around us is in colour?

The brilliant sunlight that shines so bright is made of colours,
And after the storm, the sky is filled with vibrant colours, bridging the world!
Auroras light the skies at night with colours.
I can’t imagine living in a world without colours!

Why would you live your life in black and white
When the world around us is in colour?

When I look at you and me
I see so many possibilities
Although shadows grow dark and deep at night,
They lose their power in the morning light!

Why would you live your life in black and white
When the world around us is in colour?

This score is available for purchase directly from the composer using the Contact page. Please order a copy for each performer.

Full score (pdf with license): $3.50 / copy
Instrumental parts: $2 each
Printed scores can be ordered through J. W. Pepper
A free score (with some redactions) is available for preview

Will there be a choral version? Quite possibly, depending on demand.
Feel free to contact the composer to inquire.