David Lang's "Prisoner of the State" is a powerful and innovative exploration of themes of freedom, oppression, and identity, drawing inspiration from Beethoven's iconic opera "Fidelio." This 2020 release, co-commissioned by prestigious institutions including the New York Philharmonic and the Barbican Centre, offers a fresh perspective on the enduring power of Beethoven's narrative. The album features 17 tracks, each meticulously crafted to strip back the original libretto to its essentials, focusing on the core storyline of a wife's struggle to free her unjustly imprisoned husband.
Premiered in June 2019 with the New York Philharmonic and conducted by Jaap van Zweden, "Prisoner of the State" received its British premiere in January 2020 at the Barbican Centre in London. The album showcases David Lang's unique compositional style, blending contemporary classical music with operatic elements to create a compelling and thought-provoking experience. The New York Philharmonic, under the direction of Jaap van Zweden, delivers a stunning performance that brings Lang's vision to life.
The album's duration of one hour and four minutes is filled with rich, layered compositions that delve into the complexities of human identity and the universal struggle for freedom. From the haunting melodies of "I was a woman" to the dramatic intensity of "prison song," each track offers a unique perspective on the central narrative. The album's free jazz influences add a layer of depth and innovation, making it a standout release in the genre.
"Prisoner of the State" is not just a retelling of Beethoven's opera but a radical reworking that melds its narrative skeleton with contemporaneous accounts of crime and injustice. David Lang's fascination with Beethoven's original work shines through in his ability to re-examine its themes and apply them to the 21st century, highlighting issues of gender and personal identity. This album is a testament to Lang's artistic vision and his ability to create music that resonates deeply with its audience.
Tracks
prisoner of the state: I was a womanDavid Lang, Julie Mathevet, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: prisoners! wake up!David Lang, Eric Owens, Matthew Pearce, John Matthew Myers, Steven Eddy, Rafael Porto, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: I stole a loaf of breadDavid Lang, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: where is the boy?David Lang, Julie Mathevet, Eric Owens, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: goldDavid Lang, Eric Owens, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: there is one thingDavid Lang, Julie Mathevet, Eric Owens, Matthew Pearce, John Matthew Myers, Steven Eddy, Rafael Porto, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: prison songDavid Lang, Matthew Pearce, John Matthew Myers, Steven Eddy, Rafael Porto, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: entrance of the governorDavid Lang, Alan Oke, Eric Owens, Julie Mathevet, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: better to be fearedDavid Lang, Alan Oke, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: o what desireDavid Lang, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: uhhh. so darkDavid Lang, Jarrett Ott, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: how cold it isDavid Lang, Julie Mathevet, Eric Owens, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: heβs movingDavid Lang, Julie Mathevet, Eric Owens, Jarrett Ott, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: return of the governorDavid Lang, Alan Oke, Eric Owens, Jarrett Ott, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: stand backDavid Lang, Julie Mathevet, Jarrett Ott, Alan Oke, Eric Owens, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: what is one man?David Lang, Alan Oke, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
prisoner of the state: waiting for the inspectorsDavid Lang, Julie Mathevet, Jarrett Ott, Alan Oke, Eric Owens, Matthew Pearce, John Matthew Myers, Steven Eddy, Rafael Porto, Men of the Concert Chorale of New York, Donald Nally, New York Philharmonic, Jaap Van Zweden
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