Immerse yourself in the captivating world of John Adams' "The Gospel According to the Other Mary," a profound and avant-garde opera that reimagines the biblical story from the perspective of Mary Magdalene. Released on November 10, 2017, under the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra label, this album is a testament to Adams' mastery of minimalism and his innovative approach to classical composition. Spanning over two hours and twenty-three minutes, this ambitious work is divided into two acts, each comprising multiple scenes that weave together narrative and musical brilliance.
Adams' composition is a rich tapestry of sound, blending the power of the orchestra with the raw emotion of the vocal performances. The libretto, written by Peter Sellars, draws from various biblical texts and contemporary sources, offering a fresh and poignant perspective on the familiar story. The album features a stellar cast, including Kelley O'Connor as Mary Magdalene, Tamara Mumford as Martha, and Eric Owens as Lazarus, among others, each bringing depth and nuance to their roles.
"The Gospel According to the Other Mary" is not just an opera; it's an experience. From the hauntingly beautiful arias to the powerful choral passages, Adams' music is both intimate and grand, drawing the listener into the emotional core of the story. The minimalist style, characterized by its repetitive patterns and gradual transformations, creates a hypnotic and immersive atmosphere that lingers long after the final note fades.
This album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary classical music and opera, offering a unique blend of spiritual depth and musical innovation. Whether you're a seasoned admirer of John Adams' work or a newcomer to the world of avant-garde opera, "The Gospel According to the Other Mary" promises a rewarding and unforgettable listening experience.
2017 Berlin Phil Media GmbH2017 Berlin Phil Media GmbH
Tracks
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 1: The Next Day in the City JailJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 1: Now a Certain Woman Named MarthaJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Tamara Mumford
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 2: And She Had a Sister Named MaryJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Tamara Mumford
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 2: I Am Surprised That I Am Beginning to Pray DailyJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 2: Chorus "En un Día de Amor Yo Bajé Hasta la Tierra"John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: Now a Certain Man Was SickJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: Lazarus Dies While His Sisters Await JesusJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: Why Standest Thou Afar off, O Lord?John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Tamara Mumford, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: In My Own Quietly Explosive HereJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor, Tamara Mumford, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: Don't Touch My Left ArmJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: When Mary Was Come Where Jesus WasJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: Jesus Said, Take Ye Away the StoneJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Tamara Mumford, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: And When He Thus Had SpokenJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 3: Chorus "Drop Down, Ye Heavens, from Above"John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 4: Then Jesus Six Days Before the PassoverJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Daniel Bubeck, Sir Simon Rattle
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 4: For the Grave Cannot Praise TheeJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Peter Hoare
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 4: Then Took Mary a Pound of OintmentJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Kelley O'Connor, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 5: And There Were Some That Had Indignation Within ThemselvesJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Peter Hoare, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 5: We Know There Will Be No UtopiasJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Tamara Mumford, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act I Scene 5: Tell Me, How Is This Night DifferentJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Peter Hoare
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 1: Chorus "Who Rips His Own Flesh Down the Seams"John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 1: Martha and Mary, Not KnowingJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Peter Hoare
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 2: IntroductionJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 2: Up at Two a.m., Picketed All DayJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Tamara Mumford
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 2: The Said DefendantsJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Tamara Mumford
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 2: Chorus "Jesus, Incomparable Perdonador de Injurias"John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 3: And They Were Come unto a Place Called GolgothaJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 3: Daughters of Jerusalem, Weep Not for MeJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 3: Now There Stood by the Cross of JesusJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Tamara Mumford, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 3: When Jesus Saw His MotherJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 4: When the Rain Began to FallJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 4: On Earth When He Heard the First RainJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 4: His Son Cried Out to HimJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Peter Hoare
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 5: Now in the Place Where He Was Crucified There Was a GardenJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 5: Mary Awakens on the Third MorningJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 5: Chorus "It Is Spring"John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Kelley O'Connor
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 6: And, Behold, There Was a Great EarthquakeJohn Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor, Tamara Mumford, Peter Hoare, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Act II Scene 6: Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead?John Adams, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle, Kelley O'Connor, Tamara Mumford, Peter Hoare, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings, Nathan Medley
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