Leonardo Balada's "La Muerte de Colón" is a profound and captivating opera that delves into the life and legacy of the famed explorer Christopher Columbus. Composed over a span of 12 years, this chamber music masterpiece is the second installment in Balada's operatic diptych, following "Cristóbal Colón." The opera is a dramatic exploration of Columbus's final days, blending historical narrative with symbolic and apocalyptic elements.
Released on September 29, 2009, under the Naxos label, the album spans 1 hour and 34 minutes, featuring 16 tracks that meticulously recount the story of Columbus's return to Spain, his struggles, and his eventual death. The opera is performed by a stellar cast, including Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, and David Okerlund, with Robert Page conducting the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic.
Balada's composition is a rich tapestry of musical styles, seamlessly integrating traditional opera with modern influences. The libretto, filled with poignant and thought-provoking dialogue, is brought to life through the powerful performances of the cast. The opera's themes of exploration, discovery, and the human condition are timeless, making "La Muerte de Colón" a significant addition to the world of classical music.
This album is not just a musical experience but a historical and cultural journey, offering insights into the complexities of Columbus's life and the broader implications of his voyages. Leonardo Balada's masterful composition and the exceptional performances make this opera a compelling listen for both opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
Tracks
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 1, "Barcelona - Retorno de Colon" (Barcelona - Return of Columbus): Ave verum corpus natum de Maria Virgine (Monks, Citizens, Queen Isabella, King Ferdinand, Columbus, Fernando)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 2, "Lecho de Muerte 1" (Death-Bed 1): Mis ojos cansados (Columbus, Mysterious Character, Monks)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 3a, "En un poblado indio" (In an Indian Village): Song: Uuuuaaa, uuuoaaa, daaaee, uooaaa (Indian Voice)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 3b, "En un poblado indio-pillaje" (In an Indian Village-Pillage): Yeee, yeje, yajo, eee (Indian, Voices of Spaniards)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 4, "Lecho de muerte 2" (Death-Bed 2): Bien seria aquello el Paraiso, libres las gentes (Columbus, Mysterious Character, Monks)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 5: Bobadilla: Ese, Colon, ese extranjero esta llevado de la mano (Margarit, Juan Aguado, Friar Boil, Bobadilla, Queen Isabella, King Ferdinand)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 6, "Mirad" (Look): Doliente mi cuerpo, con sangre mi alma (Columbus)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 7, "Jerusalen" (Jerusalem): Ja, ja, ja! (Courtiers, Columbus, Queen Isabella)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act I Scene 8, "Los Colones" (The Columbuses): Los Colones, los hijos, los hermanos (Hernando, Diego (son), Diego (brother), Bartholomew)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 1, "En un poblado indio" (In an Indian villaga): Dance: Ay! (Voices)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 2, "Lecho de muerte 3" (Death-Bed 3): Aaje, aaja, aajo … (Indians, Mysterious Character, Columbus, Monks)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 3, "Amadisimas" (Beloved Ones!): Cristobal … (Beatrice, Queen Isabella, Columbus)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 4, "Lecho de muerte 4" (Death-Bed 4): Mal supisteis llevar de la mano (Mysterious Character, Columbus, Monks)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 5, "Los Heroes" (The Heroes): Colon! Yo, Vespucio! (Vespucci, Magellan, Columbus, Mysterious Character, Monks, Bolivar, Zapata)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 6, "Apocalipsis" (Apocalypse): Ellos son los verdaderos heroes (Mysterious Character, Monks, Columbus, Voices, Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic Characters 2, 3, 4, Beatrice, Isabella)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
Death of Columbus: Act II Scene 7, "Perdonadme" (Forgive Me): Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine (Monks, Columbus)Leonardo Balada, Jon Garrison, Judith Jenkins, Katherine Mueller, David Okerlund, Arturo Martin, Dimitrie Lazich, Raymond Blackwell, Milutin Lazich, Brent Stater, Katy Shackleton-Williams, Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon Repertory Chorus, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Page
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