London, England – A previously unknown musical project conceived by the late David Bowie is coming to light, offering a interesting glimpse into the artist’s boundless creativity. The ambitious work, titled ‘The Spectator,’ was inspired by an 18th-century periodical of the same name and remained largely hidden untill recently.
Table of Contents
- 1. Unearthing a Hidden Project
- 2. Historical Figures and Political Satire
- 3. public Access to the Archive
- 4. The Enduring Appeal of David Bowie
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About ‘The Spectator’
- 6. How did Bowie’s pre-existing fascination with 18th-century art and literature contribute to the conceptualization of *The Soldier*?
- 7. David Bowie’s Final Project: developing an 18th Century Musical Before His Passing
- 8. The Genesis of Lazarus: Beyond the Album
- 9. From Play to Musical: A Past Dive
- 10. The Interplay with Lazarus and Blackstar
- 11. Telsey + Company’s Involvement & Casting insights
- 12. The Unfinished Legacy: What Remains?
- 13. Exploring Bowie’s Theatrical Work: Further Resources
Details of ‘The Spectator’ were discovered among a collection of Post-it notes found in a locked study within Bowie’s New York residence. The room, accessible only to Bowie and his assistant, safeguarded the project’s secrecy for years. Archivists cataloging Bowie’s belongings unearthed the notes, revealing a complex narrative taking shape in the artist’s mind.
Historical Figures and Political Satire
Bowie’s notes indicate his intention to weave real historical characters into the musical’s plot. Figures like ‘Honest Jack’ Sheppard, a notorious 18th-century thief, and Jonathan Wild, a self-proclaimed ‘Thief-Taker General,’ were considered for inclusion. the musical also drew inspiration from the shadowy world of The Mohocks, a notorious London gang.
According to Madeleine Haddon, Curator of the David Bowie Archive, Bowie was captivated by the role of musicals in 18th-century London, particularly their use as vehicles for political commentary targeting the government of Robert Walpole. This interest reflected a broader fascination with the power of art to influence social and political discourse.
haddon further suggests that Bowie’s work on ‘The Spectator’ in 2015 may have been influenced by the contemporary political climate in the united States, prompting him to consider the potential of art to instigate change.
public Access to the Archive
The David Bowie Archive will open at the V&A East Storehouse in London’s Hackney Wick on September 13th. The exhibition will feature approximately 200 items, including the Post-it notes, Bowie’s notebook with commentary on ‘The Spectator,’ and his writing desk. Additional materials are available for viewing by appointment. Apply to view items here.
The Enduring Appeal of David Bowie
David Bowie’s influence extends far beyond music, encompassing fashion, art, and performance. His chameleon-like persona and willingness to experiment continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide. The discovery of ‘The Spectator’ underscores his relentless creativity and intellectual curiosity.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | The Spectator |
| Inspired By | 18th-century periodical of the same name |
| Key Themes | Political satire, historical figures, theatrical innovation |
| Archival Location | V&A East Storehouse, London |
Did You Know? David Bowie held a lifelong fascination with theater, even considering a career as a mime artist in his youth.
Pro Tip: Explore the V&A’s online collections for more insights into David Bowie’s artistic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘The Spectator’
- What is ‘The Spectator’ musical about? It’s a musical project inspired by an 18th-century periodical, incorporating historical figures and political satire.
- Where can I see the David Bowie Archive? The archive opens at the V&A East Storehouse in London on September 13th.
- Who discovered the notes for ‘The Spectator’? Archivists cataloging Bowie’s belongings after his death unearthed the project.
- What historical figures were considered for the musical? ‘Honest Jack’ Sheppard and Jonathan Wild were among the figures Bowie explored.
- Was Bowie influenced by contemporary politics while working on ‘The Spectator’? Curator Madeleine Haddon theorizes that the US political climate in 2015 may have impacted his creative process.
- Is the musical completed? The project remains unfinished, as evidenced by the notes and materials discovered.
- How can I view items not on public display? You can apply to view additional materials in advance through the V&A website.
What are your thoughts on this newly discovered project? Do you think Bowie’s political interests influenced his art, and what impact would ‘The Spectator’ have had if completed?
How did Bowie’s pre-existing fascination with 18th-century art and literature contribute to the conceptualization of *The Soldier*?
David Bowie’s Final Project: developing an 18th Century Musical Before His Passing
The Genesis of Lazarus: Beyond the Album
David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, released just two days before his death in January 2016, captivated audiences with its experimental sound and haunting lyrics. However, less widely known is that Bowie was simultaneously deeply involved in developing a full-scale 18th-century musical, a project that would remain unfinished but profoundly influence his final creative output. This aspiring undertaking,initially conceived as a stage play,evolved into something far more complex,intertwining with the themes and aesthetics of Blackstar and the off-Broadway production Lazarus.
From Play to Musical: A Past Dive
Bowie’s fascination with the 18th century stemmed from a long-held interest in the period’s art, literature, and social dynamics. He envisioned a musical centered around the life of a fictional French soldier during the napoleonic Wars.The working title was reportedly The Soldier, and the narrative explored themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning in a turbulent era.
Historical Context: The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) provided a rich backdrop for Bowie’s exploration of societal upheaval and individual struggle.
Early Growth: Initial drafts focused on a linear narrative, but Bowie, known for his unconventional approach, quickly began to deconstruct the conventional musical format.
Collaboration: While largely a solo endeavor in its initial stages, Bowie engaged with several collaborators, including playwrights and composers, to refine the concept. Details remain scarce due to the project’s unfinished state.
The Interplay with Lazarus and Blackstar
The 18th-century musical wasn’t developed in isolation. It became inextricably linked with Lazarus, the off-Broadway play featuring new Bowie songs, and Blackstar. The themes of mortality, fractured identity, and spiritual searching present in both Lazarus and Blackstar were initially explored within the framework of the historical musical.
Thematic Resonance: The soldier’s journey mirrored Bowie’s own exploration of persona and change, a recurring motif throughout his career.
Musical Influences: The musical’s score drew inspiration from Baroque and Classical music, influencing the instrumentation and harmonic structures of Blackstar. Elements of jazz and electronic music, hallmarks of Bowie’s later work, were also incorporated.
Character Archetypes: Characters initially conceived for the 18th-century musical found echoes in Lazarus, particularly in the ambiguous and fragmented personalities portrayed on stage.
Telsey + Company’s Involvement & Casting insights
Details regarding casting for the 18th-century musical is limited. However, records indicate that Telsey + Company, a prominent casting agency, was involved in early development.
casting Calls: Telsey + Company (Bernard Telsey, CSA & Andrew Femenella, CSA) were listed as being involved in the London cast and crew for Lazarus (lazarusmusical.com),suggesting a potential connection to the broader theatrical ambitions Bowie held at the time.
Vocal Styles: The musical likely required performers with a range of vocal abilities,from operatic to contemporary,reflecting the diverse musical influences.
character profiles: Early character descriptions suggest a need for actors capable of portraying both historical authenticity and psychological complexity.
The Unfinished Legacy: What Remains?
Regrettably, David Bowie’s passing brought an end to the development of the 18th-century musical. No complete score or script exists.However, fragments of lyrics, musical sketches, and conceptual notes have surfaced, offering glimpses into Bowie’s creative process.
Archival Material: Bowie’s estate continues to catalog and preserve his extensive archives, potentially revealing more details about the musical in the future.
Influence on Blackstar: Many critics and scholars argue that Blackstar can be viewed as a condensed and distilled version of the themes and musical ideas initially explored in the 18th-century project.
A Testament to Creativity: Despite its unfinished state, the musical stands as a testament to Bowie’s relentless artistic curiosity and his willingness to push boundaries, even in the face of mortality.
Exploring Bowie’s Theatrical Work: Further Resources
For those interested in delving deeper into David Bowie’s theatrical endeavors, the following resources are recommended:
The official David Bowie website: https://www.davidbowie.com/
Documentaries and biographies: Numerous documentaries and biographies offer insights into Bowie’s life and work.
* Academic articles: Scholarly articles explore the themes and influences present in Bowie’s music and theatrical productions.
