Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Judith Weir's "A Night at the Chinese Opera," a live choral masterpiece released on April 1, 2012, by NMC Recordings. This album is a testament to Weir's unique compositional style, blending intricate vocal arrangements with evocative storytelling. Spanning a total of 1 hour and 33 minutes, the album is divided into three acts, each offering a distinct musical journey.
The first act introduces listeners to a series of vivid scenes, from the haunting "Nightwatchman's Song" to the lively "Kite, in moto perpetuo." The second act delves into the dramatic narrative of "The Orphan," a four-part opera within an opera, culminating in the thrilling "Coda. Earthquake." The final act concludes with a mix of contemplative and triumphant pieces, including the ethereal "Nocturne" and the uplifting "The Blue Sky!"
Judith Weir, known for her innovative approach to choral music, brings a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions to this live recording. The album showcases her ability to weave complex vocal lines with engaging musical themes, making it a standout piece in her repertoire. Whether you're a fan of choral music or simply looking to explore new musical horizons, "A Night at the Chinese Opera" offers a compelling and enriching listening experience.
2012 NMC Recordings2012 (P) NMC Recordings
Tracks
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Nightwatchman's Song - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Aubade - LiveJudith Weir, Michael Chance, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Sextet - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Adey Grummet, Frances McCafferty, Adrian Thompson, Michael Chance, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Mrs Chin's Peroration - LiveJudith Weir, Frances McCafferty, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Kite, in moto perpetuo - LiveJudith Weir, Adrian Thompson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Aria, with Rising Floodwaters - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Michael Chance, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Chansonette - LiveJudith Weir, Frances Lynch, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Seven-Part Motet - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Frances McCafferty, Adrian Thompson, Michael George, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Finale - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Frances McCafferty, Adrian Thompson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: The Wedge (Or Prelude) - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: First Act of "The Orphan" (Live)Judith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Second Act of "The Orphan" - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Third Act of "The Orphan" - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Fourth Act of "The Orphan" - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Coda. Eathquake - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Introduction. Recitativo. Il Gran Cane ha fatto - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Prisoners' Chorus - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Michael Chance, Michael George, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Misterioso - LiveJudith Weir, Frances McCafferty, Gwion Thomas, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: The Ascent - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: The Blue Sky! - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Adrian Thompson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Nocturne - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Michael Chance, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Finale - LiveJudith Weir, Michael Chance, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott