Dive into the mesmerizing world of Harrison Birtwistle's "The Mask of Orpheus," a monumental opera that stands as a pivotal work in the realm of post-war music. Composed by the renowned British composer Harrison Birtwistle, this two-hour masterpiece is a fusion of music, song, drama, myth, and electronics, realized with the electronic music expertise of Barry Anderson and a libretto by Peter Zinovieff. Premiered in 1986 at the English National Opera, this opera has since garnered critical acclaim and is celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to opera.
"The Mask of Orpheus" is divided into three acts, each meticulously crafted to explore the myth of Orpheus through a complex web of scenes and interludes. The opera features a rich tapestry of 66 tracks, each contributing to the overarching narrative and musical landscape. From the ceremonial retelling of the story in Act 3 to the enigmatic 'arches' in Act 2, Birtwistle's composition is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.
Conducted by Sir Andrew Davis and featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers, this recording captures the essence of Birtwistle's vision. The opera's intricate structure and profound themes make it a seminal work in Birtwistle's oeuvre and a significant contribution to the evolution of opera since the Second World War. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious explorer of contemporary classical music, "The Mask of Orpheus" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I: ParadosHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: The First Poem of ReminiscenceHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene I: First Act of Love - First Duet of LoveHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: First Passing CloudHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: First Structure of DecisionHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: First CeremonyHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: First Love DuetHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: First Song of MagicHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 1: First Immortal DanceHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 2: First Cry of MemoryHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 2: Second Passing CloudHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 2: Second Act of LoveHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 2: First Allegorical Flower of ReasonHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 2: First Look of LonelinessHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Time Shift - First Human LieHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Whisper of Change (a)Harrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: Second Ceremony - First ExchangeHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Song of FailureHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: Second Immortal DanceHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Hysterical Aria (a)Harrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: Second Statement of ReasonHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Hysterical Aria (b)Harrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Magic FormulaHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Hysterical Aria (c)Harrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act I Scene 3: First Shout of GratitudeHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: Second Time Shift - Second Love DuetHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: First Whisper of Change (b)Harrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 1st ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 2nd ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 3rd ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 4th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 5th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 6th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 7th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 8th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 1: 9th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 2: 10th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 2: 11th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 2: 12th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 2: 13th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 2: 14th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 2: 15th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 3: 16th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 3: 17th ArchHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 3: Second Allegorical Flower of ReasonHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act II Scene 3: First Terrible Death - Second Whisper of ChangeHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act III Scene 1: Third Time ShiftHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act III Scene 1: Third Whisper of ChangeHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act III Scene 2: Third DreamHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
The Mask of Orpheus, Act III Scene 2: Third Allegorical Flower of ReasonHarrison Birtwistle, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
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