Alex Poelman
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Myths & Legends · 2008

Pinocchio

The composition Pinocchio follows Carlo Collodi’s beloved tale of a wooden puppet carved by the poor woodcarver Geppetto. Brought to life, the puppet is promised that he may become a real boy — but only if he can prove himself brave, truthful and good.

Pinocchio’s good intentions are no match for the temptations of the world. Setting out with five gold coins in his pocket, the naive puppet falls in with the sly Fox and the Cat, who flatter him into burying his money in the ‘Field of Miracles’ with the promise that it will grow into a fortune — and then rob him. With every lie he tells, his nose grows a little longer.

The tale reaches its climax at sea, where Pinocchio is swallowed by a monstrous shark. Deep in the creature’s belly he finds his father Geppetto, who had sailed out in search of him, and together they make their escape.

Devoting himself at last to caring for his father, Pinocchio proves his courage and honesty and awakens as a real boy. Its many characters and emotions make the work a real adventure — for the musicians as much as for the audience — from the tender love of Geppetto, through the mean tricks of the Fox and the Cat, to the naive Pinocchio and the bloodthirsty shark.

Performances