Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna

Rufus Wainwright's operatic masterpiece, Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna, is a sprawling, two-hour, seven-minute epic that showcases the singer-songwriter's incredible range and versatility. Released on 11 September 2015 via Deutsche Grammophon, this ambitious work is a testament to Wainwright's innovative spirit and creative genius.

Comprising 23 scenes across two acts, Prima Donna is a chamber pop opera that defies easy categorisation. With its intricate, singer-songwriter-inspired arrangements and Wainwright's soaring vocals, the album is a deeply personal and emotionally charged work. From the opening notes of the Overture to the final, shimmering moments of the Brief Fireworks Music, Wainwright's vision is realised with stunning clarity and precision.

Throughout the album, Wainwright's characters come alive in a series of vivid, often poignant scenes, each one meticulously crafted to draw the listener into the world of the opera. With its themes of love, loss, and identity, Prima Donna is a deeply human work, one that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Wainwright's music is both beautiful and unsettling, often at the same time, making for a listening experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

With Prima Donna, Rufus Wainwright has created something truly special – a work of art that is at once a tribute to the operatic tradition and a bold, innovative statement of his own unique vision. This is an album that will reward repeated listens, revealing new depths and nuances with each passing play. For fans of Wainwright and opera alike, Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna is an essential listening experience.