Immerse yourself in the captivating world of William Schuman's "The Mighty Casey - A Question of Taste," a double album released on Delos in 2011. This extraordinary work showcases Schuman's mastery of musical storytelling, blending operatic drama with the thrill of a baseball game in "The Mighty Casey," and offering a delightful, comedic interlude with "A Question of Taste."
"The Mighty Casey" is a lively, dramatic retelling of Ernest Thayer's famous poem, set to music by Schuman. The album brings to life the tale of the mighty baseball player Casey, with a rich tapestry of characters and scenes, from the anticipation of the big game to the tension of the final innings. Schuman's dynamic compositions and clever use of vocal and instrumental elements create a vivid, engaging narrative that will captivate fans of both baseball and opera.
In contrast, "A Question of Taste" offers a lighter, more humorous exploration of social etiquette and class dynamics. This one-act opera is a witty, satirical look at the absurdities of high society, with a memorable score that ranges from playful to poignant.
With a total runtime of over two hours, this album is a testament to Schuman's versatility and creativity as a composer. Whether you're a fan of Schuman's work, a lover of American music, or simply looking for a unique and engaging listening experience, "The Mighty Casey - A Question of Taste" is sure to delight and entertain.
(C) 2011 Delos(P) 2011 Delos
Tracks
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Noon of the Big DayWilliam Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Championship of the State (Watchman, Merry)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Strategy (Thatcher, Snedeker)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Peanuts, popcorn, soda, crackerjacks (Watchman, Concessionaire, Hawkers)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Dance of the Hawkers (Watchman, Charlie)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: The Mighty Casey (Watchman, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Autograph (Charlie, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: You look so sweet today (Watchman, Merry)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Kiss me not goodbye (Merry, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Last half of the Ninth (Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Two out (Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: If only Casey (Chorus, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: A prayer (Merry)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Surprise (Chorus, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: This gladdened multitude (Watchman, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: You're doin' fine kid (Catcher, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Rhubarb: 'Ya blind (Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: I'm fed to the teeth (Manager)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: A strike's a strike (Umpire, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: The Rhubarb Dance (Watchman, Umpire, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Hist'ry hangs on a slender thread (Chorus, Snedeker)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Oh, somewhere (Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 3: Twilight of the big dayWilliam Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: PreludeWilliam Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: No, no, the knives go on the right (Mrs. Hudson, Louise)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Your Father expects This (Louise, Tom)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: I'm not a man to your Father's taste (Tom, Louise, Mrs. Schofield)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Our wealth Is our love (Tom, Louise)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: There's been a small accident, I fear (Mrs. Schofield, Pratt)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: No meal can be called complete (Mrs. Schofield, Pratt, Schofield)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Here now! You'll never name This one (Schofield, Pratt)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: An interesting little wine (Pratt, Schofield)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Is That your final answer? (Schofield, Pratt)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: I believe these glasses Are yours, sir (Mrs. Hudson)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Our chance now at last (Tom, Louise, Schofield, Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Hudson)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: This wine glass tonight will bubble and sing (Tom, Louise, Schofield, Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Hudson)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz