Search - Tobias Picker, George Manahan, Santa Fe Opera :: Picker: Emmeline

A Brilliant New Entry into Modern Opera

G P Padillo | Portland, ME United States | 09/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patricia Racette gives a performance of such heartfelt beauty, and of such searing intensity that if even on the off chance this worthwhile opera gets produced any time soon, it will be impossible to hear anyone else in the role.



Picker's score is brimming with lyricism and beauty. His musical language strong, decidedly late 20th century but more accessible than many might think. His writing for characters comes wondrously alive and the use of hymn tunes in several sections is effective. There are moments in this score that, for sheer beauty and heartfelt emotion, can stand alongside those of Britten, Berg, Glass, and yes, even Puccini and Strauss. Emmeline is his first effort and I look forward to more from this gifted American composer.



Highly recommended.

"

Emmeline

G P Padillo | 08/21/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"At first glance, the subject matter is a little melodramatic, and yet it is based on a true story. Stylistically, it is melodic,but shows the ability to use disonance to great effect especially in Act 1, scene 2 (disc 1, track 3).Patricia Racette (Emmeline) has the purity of tone to denote innocence abused. Her soaring piannissimo in the final scene (disc 2, track 17) has a searing sweetness which tears at the listener's heart.Victor Ledbetter (Mr Maguire) displays a high baritone voice which has a tendancy to over confidence in his upper-register, and yet this just what is required for this kind of morally redundant role.Anne-Marie Owens unfortunately disappoints in the role of Aunt Hannah Watkins. This should have been a pivotal role in that all her actions lead to the downfall of Emmeline. This experienced British Mezzo-Soprano lacked the credible sweetness in her characterization of this passionate and yet grotesquly Christian woman.This CD is worth buying because as an example of 20th Century Opera it works well. Both the plot and the music are accessible and all the singers sing in clear English."

Modern opera at its best

Irene M. Piekarski | Seattle, WA USA | 02/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This contemporary opera is beautiful, accessible and dramatic. If you think you don't like modern opera, then give this a try--dissonance makes sense, the melodies beautiful, the story heart grabbing. John Adams, move over; Tobias Picker is here!"