Dawn Upshaw - The World So Wide (1998)

Since the dawn of the recording era, collections of songs and arias have held a special place in the hearts and on the shelves of music lovers. Early on, listeners themselves bunched 78's together to form extended programs. But with the advent of the long-playing record in the late 1940's, full-length recitals and concept albums arrived prepackaged. Unlike its European counterpart, arias from American operas have not found much of a home on record. Until recently, in fact, American operas themselves have largely been ignored. With the release of Dawn Upshaw's The World So Wide (1998), which takes its title from its first track, "Laurie's Song" from Copland's 'The Tender Land,' the tide may finally be turning. Dawn Upshaw's program is composed of eight arias from 20th-century American operas―all composed after World War II, and all examples of attempts to break opera free of its European roots and give it an American voice. Upshaw's characterizations are aptly realized in both tone and interpretation. Her consistently even tone along with her commitment to sensitive interpretation and precise diction is impressive. The most beautiful of these arias (Copland's "The World So Wide," Floyd's "Ain't It a Pretty Night") capture the brilliance of American homegrown musical lyricism, as the cornucopia of musical sounds flows like a waterfall from magical orchestral mountains. Upshaw's jubilance inspires joy for the listener as well.

Tracklist

1 Samuel Barber (1910 - 1981)
Antony and Cleopatra, Op. 40: Give me some music

2 Aaron Copland (1900 - 1990)
The Tender Land: Once I thought I'd Never Grow

3 John Adams (1947 - )
Nixon in China: This is prophetic

4 Leonard Bernstein (1918 - 1990)
Trouble in Tahiti: What a Movie

5 Tania León (1944 - )
Scourge of Hyacinths: Oh Yemanja

6 Douglas Moore (1893 - 1969)
The Ballad of Baby Doe: Willow Song

7 Kurt Weill (1900 - 1950)
Street Scene: Lonely house

8 Carlisle Floyd (1926 - )
Susannah: Ain't it a pretty night?


Orchestra of St. Luke's
David Zinman, conductor

Nonesuch 79458-2