Jake Heggie's "Heggie: The Radio Hour" is a captivating exploration of the choral opera genre, presented in a unique and innovative format. Released in 2015 under the Delos label, this album spans a total of 1 hour and 4 minutes, featuring seven tracks that blend narrative, commentary, and vocal performances to create a compelling auditory experience.
The album showcases the world's first-ever "choral opera," "The Radio Hour," a compact work that stars mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and incorporates a silent actress with running narrative and commentary from a choir. Heggie, known for his contributions to the classical music scene, collaborates with librettist Gene Scheer to bring this groundbreaking piece to life.
In addition to "The Radio Hour," the album includes settings of texts by renowned poets Emily Dickinson and Amy Lowell, as well as a hymn. The performances are brought to life by a stellar cast, including Denean Dyson, John Alexander Singers, Ricardo V. McKillips, Susan Graham, and David Clemensen, with the Pacific Symphony providing orchestral support.
Recorded in May 2014 at the Meng Concert Hall in California, this album is a testament to Heggie's versatility and innovation as a composer. The blend of vocal music, opera, and choral elements creates a rich and engaging listening experience that highlights the depth and range of Heggie's musical vision. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Heggie: The Radio Hour" offers a fresh and exciting perspective on the choral opera form.
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