The form of this song is not a "canon" or a "round" or even a "fugue". This is a "simultaneous quodlibet":
In a simultaneous quodlibet, two or more pre-existing melodies are combined. The simultaneous quodlibet may be considered a historical antecedent to the modern-day musical mashup.
The quodlibet originated in 15th-century Europe, during a time when the practice of combining folk tunes was popular. Composer Wolfgang Schmeltzl first used the term in a specifically musical context in 1544. Composer Ludwig Senfl (1486–1542/43) was able to juxtapose several pre-existing melodies in a cantus firmus quodlibet; one such piece, "Ach Elslein, liebes Elselein" / "Es taget", was noted for its symbolism rather than its humor. In Spain, 1581 saw the publication of the ensaladas of Mateo Flecha et al. The ensaladas were comical compositions that mixed literary texts in a way similar to the quodlibet.
It was not until 1618, however, that anyone published a rigorous definition of the quodlibet: Michael Praetorius described it as "a mixture of diverse elements quoted from sacred and secular compositions".
So the form has been used in several ways, from comedic to serious. In Chess, the mood is definitely serious, as the piece takes place immediately following Trumper's dramatic loss in game #1.
It's notable that "flipping the board" is not something that has ever happened at a World Chess Championship. Such a thing would be considered very disrespectful. Considering the context in which the board-flipping incident occurs, Trumper has created a gigantic scandal.
Of course, it's possible this is part of a greater plan. During Trumper's intro in "Merano":
You can raise all you want if you raise the roof
Scream and shout and the gate increases.
Break the rules, break the bank, I'm the living proof
They don't care how I move my pieces.
I know I'm the best there is but all they want is a show.
Well, that's all right, I'll be glad to oblige!
While I don't think Trumper planned to lose game #1, his "rage quit" is guaranteed to increase worldwide interest in the match. Unfortunately, it's now Florence who must pick up the pieces.
"Model Of Decorum And Tranquility" is divided into four voices: Florence, Anatoly, The Arbiter, and Molokov. Molokov leads off, with the same instrumental theme that opened the show, but with the following lyrics:
We wish, no must, make our disgust at this abuse perfectly clear.
We're here for Chess. Are the U.S.? If so, why foul the atmosphere?
Florence is next, and her theme is one that hasn't appeared yet. Not sure if it's intentional, but her them is peppered with consecutive eighth notes, which contrasts with Molokov's quarter note theme. Her lyrics are more frenzied as well, reflecting the awkward position Trumper has put her into:
I must protest, our delegation has a host of valid points to raise.
Our player's starting attitude's beyond all praise,
As any neutral would attest.
But we concede the fact his masters bend the rules is not a player's fault.
We'll overlook their crude political assaults and under protest will proceed.
This is "boilerplate rhetoric", designed to obscure the fact that her player has committed a terrible act of poor sportsmanship on the world stage. Florence is in an impossible position here, but she's doing the best she can with what she has.
The Arbiter is next to enter, and like his character, his lyrics are short, sweet, and direct:
I call this tune! No one's immune to my power in this hall.
The first part of the song ends with Florence and Molokov singing the chorus:
It's very sad to see the ancient and distinguished game that used to be
A model of decorum and tranquility become like any other sport
A battleground for rival ideologies to slug it out with glee.
For verse two, Anatoly enters, and takes the side of the Russians in questioning Trumper's sanity. This is is the same narrative taken by the press during Trumper's disastrous press conference. He also questions Florence about her job:
I would say with regard to him, it is hard to rebut ever growing suspicions
My opposition's a nut.
How can you work for one who treats you like dirt?
Pay must be good!
I like how Anatoly gets in a little dig at the end, helping to reinforce the ideological struggle between capitalism and communism.
Just before the last chorus, the Arbiter lays down the law:
Get this straight: I will not stand by while you play at politics!
I would say to the Arbiter: What do you think these people are DOING all of this time? It's nothing but politics, 24/7/365 for BOTH sides.
Anatoly gets in his last remarks as well:
I can only say I hope your dream cones true
Tilll that far off day, I hope you cope with helping, Number Two
All four singers then come together to sing the final chorus, each of them expressing sadness at what's happened to the great game of Chess. For me, only Anatoly and the Arbiter are sincere; Florence and Molokov both have other motivations.
It's also notable that the Arbiter is the only singer whose lyrics do not rhyme at all. This is fitting for the character -- he is direct, to the point, and has no time for the larger battle of East Vs. West.
From the POV of an audience member, it's impossible to listen to all four singers at the same time. Most of those in an audience will only be able to listen to one voice. Therefore, it's important to establish who is the dominant voice at any given time, and to have that voice stand out among the quartet. The Arbiter and Anatoly sing the least, so they should be emphasized when they do sing.
For our production, we repeated the first eight bars. This helped make it sound more like the beginning of "Story Of Chess", which reinforces the idea that this is a reprise of the opening number.
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