Death and Transfiguration

About the Book

The romantic sweep of Death and Transfiguration greets the reader immediately, from the onset of the first verse of the play to its dramatic conclusion. Set in the stunning locale of the magnificent vistas of the Swiss Alps by the Viervaldstettersee, this play takes you on a breathtaking journey into the psychological worlds of its characters. Based partly on earlier stories and legends of Faust, more specifically, works by Christopher Marlowe and Wolfgang von Goethe, we find him in this version challenging the temptations of evil rather than embracing them. The cosmic conflict between good and evil, between the light and the darkness, is the central theme of this work. Can man withstand the temptations of the evil forces or will he eventually succumb to those desires? Can his will, his spirit withdraw from the constant knocking of Satan? Can love overcome the seeds of hate and anger? Faust, at the outset, resists the invitation to join Mephistopheles; and, in subsequent engagements with the amoral and immortal prevaricator, he attempts and continues to withstand the clever manipulations of the devil. As a result of this ongoing conflict, the plot intensifies as this singular antagonist unveils and harnesses his many talents and powers, relentlessly attempting to infuse his will into the characters. The touching love story between Faust and Margaret takes on new dimensions here. Her growing madness tests the very sanity of Faust himself who finds himself more and more incapable of action as the tragedy unfolds. Will he too join her in the darkness? Is there, or can there be any redemption or salvation from suffering? Set throughout in poetry, the heart pounding pulse and rhythm of the work undeniably transports the reader or the spectator watching the play to new dimensions. Relish in a work that is unpredictable and unique, a play that will test your own convictions.

About the Author

Dr. Istvan Hornyak was born in Salzburg, Austria of Hungarian parents fleeing the communist occupation of Hungary after WWII. He received most of his education in Colorado, earning a BM and an MA in piano performance from the University of Denver and later, a DMA in composition from the University of Colorado in Boulder. As an educator, in 1992 he won a Fulbright to teach at the Stenhus Gymnasium in Denmark for one year, and in 1996, he won the Colorado Teacher of the Year award for the state. During his tenure as Colorado’s representative, he met president Bill Clinton and has had many speaking engagements concerning education. He has worked with the Colorado Department of Education as well as the Colorado Education Association and has been a clinician and speaker at conventions and colleges. A passionate advocate for the arts, he feels that it is vital to keep the arts alive and active in our schools. As a performer, he has presented recitals in both the United States and in Europe. A winner of numerous awards and competitions, his compositions have been published by the Danish firm Edition Egtved, Twin Elm Publishing, Emerson Music and most recently by Hal Leonard Music Publishers. He states that: Nothing to me is more exciting than the premier of a new work, whether it be music or the publication of fine literature. It is only through the creative process wherein we have the chance to reach our potentials. Man is a creative force, an energy that is capable of light or darkness, of wonder or tragedy. We all need to discover, to seek the spiritual light that emanates around us and by creating beauty, share that precious gift with everyone.