Leonardo Balada's "Hangman! Hangman! / The Town of Greed" is a compelling exploration of chamber music that delves into dramatic storytelling through its two-part composition. Released on September 12, 2002, under the Naxos label, this album offers a rich, hour-and-seventeen-minute journey into Balada's intricate and evocative musical narrative.
The first half, "Hangman! Hangman!", is a gripping tale of justice and morality, featuring a series of scenes that build tension and drama. The second half, "The Town of Greed," is divided into two parts, presenting a complex story of deceit, love, and retribution. Balada's mastery of chamber music shines through in the detailed orchestration and the vivid characterization of each scene.
This album is a testament to Balada's ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking music. The intricate interplay of instruments and the richly layered compositions make "Hangman! Hangman! / The Town of Greed" a standout work in the chamber music genre. Whether you're a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the depth of chamber compositions, this album offers a captivating listening experience.
(C) 2002 Naxos(P) 2002 Naxos
Tracks
Hangman! Hangman!: PrologueLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: IntroductionLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 1: The Sheriff and the Hangman enterLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 1: "Wait! Gimme a break..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 2: Sheriff and Hangman announce entrance of Johnny's MotherLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 2: Duet - "Have you brought me silver?"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 2: "Let's get him..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 3: "Hangman, slack your rope..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 3: Sheriff, Hangman and Townspeople "Let's check That i'ts not a lie..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 3: "Sorry sonny Johnny..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: Instrumental sectionLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "Hangman, slack your rope..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "Wait! I'm his sweetheart..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "No waiting..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "I don't ask your forgiveness..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: Finale. "Nonsense..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: Finale. "Viva Johnny!!"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: Finale. "What the heck!..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: PreludeLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed, Pt. I Scene I: "Petting my cigar..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: Deals - "Hi Mr. Johnny"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: Lento: "In my dreams I rode high..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: A deal - "I'm Tokopoko"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: "I am your sweetheart..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: "Sorry sweetheart..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: Johnny, back in his office with Mother, Father and SweetheartLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: "There Is trouble in town..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: "Let's hang him at once..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: "Quiet everyone..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: Lento molto - Finale love duet: "I love you"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: Piรน Mosso: "Pull him..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: EpilogueLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce