John Adams, a pioneer in minimalism and avant-garde composition, presents a profound and captivating orchestral experience with "The Gospel According to the Other Mary." Released on January 1, 2014, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this opera is a testament to Adams' innovative approach to music, blending sacred texts with contemporary storytelling.
Spanning over two hours, this ambitious work is divided into two acts, each comprising several scenes that weave together biblical narratives and modern social commentary. Adams masterfully intertwines the stories of Mary Magdalene, her sister Martha, and their brother Lazarus, with contemporary themes of social justice and activism. The libretto, co-written by Peter Sellars, is a rich tapestry of poetry, scripture, and historical texts, creating a deeply resonant and thought-provoking listening experience.
The opera's score is a tour de force of Adams' signature style, characterized by its rhythmic complexity, lush harmonies, and evocative melodies. The orchestration is rich and dynamic, featuring a large ensemble that includes both traditional and unconventional instruments, creating a sound world that is both familiar and fresh. The vocal writing is equally impressive, with roles that demand a high level of technical skill and emotional depth from the performers.
"The Gospel According to the Other Mary" is not just an opera; it is a powerful exploration of faith, love, and social justice. Adams' music is deeply moving, often intense, and always compelling, drawing the listener into a world that is both ancient and contemporary. This album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary classical music, offering a unique and unforgettable musical journey.
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 1 - Jail / House of Hospitality: "The Next Day in the City Jail"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
TThe Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 1 - Jail / House of Hospitality: "Now a Certain Woman Named Martha"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Tamara Mumford, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 2 - Mary: "And She Had a Sister Named Mary"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Tamara Mumford, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 2 - Mary: "I Am Surprised That I Am Beginning to Pray Daily"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 2 - Mary: "En un día de amor yo bajé hasta la tierra"John Adams, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "Now a Certain Man Was Sick"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: Lazarus Dies While the Sisters Await JesusJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "Why Standest Thou Afar Off, O Lord?"John Adams, Tamara Mumford, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "In My Own Quietly Explosive Here"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Tamara Mumford, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazaruss: "Don’t Touch My Left Arm"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "When Mary Was Come Where Jesus Was"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "Jesus Said, Take Ye Away the Stone"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "And When He Thus Had Spoken"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 3 - Lazarus: "Drop Down, Ye Heavens, From Above"John Adams, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 4 - Supper at Bethany: "Then Jesus Six Days Before the Passover"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 4 - Supper at Bethany: "For the Grave Cannot Praise Thee"John Adams, Russell Thomas, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 4 - Supper at Bethany: "Then Took Mary a Pound of Ointment"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 5 - Passover: "And There Were Some That Had Indignation"John Adams, Russell Thomas, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 5 - Passover: "We Know There Will Be No Utopias"John Adams, Tamara Mumford, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act I / Scene 5 - Passover: "Tell Me: How Is This Night Different"John Adams, Russell Thomas, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II: "Who Rips His Own Flesh Down the Seams"John Adams, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 1 - Police Raid: "Martha and Mary, Not Knowing"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Russell Thomas, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 2 - Arrest of the Women: Instrumental IntroductionJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 2 - Arrest of the Women: "Up At Two A.M., Picketed All Day"John Adams, Tamara Mumford, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 2 - Arrest of the Women: "The Said Defendants"John Adams, Tamara Mumford, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 2 - Arrest of the Women: "Jesús, incomparable perdonador de injurias"John Adams, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 3 - Golgotha: "And They Were Come Unto a Place Called Golgotha"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 3 - Golgotha: "Daughters of Jerusalem, Weep Not for Me"John Adams, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 3 - Golgotha: "Now There Stood by the Cross of Jesus"John Adams, Tamara Mumford, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 3 - Golgotha: "When Jesus Saw His Mother"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 4 - Night: "When the Rain Began to Fall"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 4 - Night: "His Son Cried Out to Him"John Adams, Russell Thomas, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 5 - Burial / Spring: "Now in the Place Where He Was Crucified"John Adams, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 5 - Burial / Spring: Mary Awakens on the Third MorningJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 5 - Burial / Spring: "It Is Spring"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 6 - Earthquake and Recognition: “And, Behold, There Was a Great Earthquake"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Tamara Mumford, Russell Thomas, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
The Gospel According to the Other Mary / Act II / Scene 6 - Earthquake and Recognition: "Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead?"John Adams, Kelley O'Connor, Tamara Mumford, Russell Thomas, Brian Cummings, Daniel Bubeck, Nathan Medley, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel
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