Dive into the enigmatic world of "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field," a captivating musical journey composed by David Lang. This 2015 release, under the Cantaloupe Music label, is a unique blend of free jazz and opera, spanning an immersive 80 minutes. The album is a collaborative musical theater piece, born from the creative partnership between Lang and playwright Mac Wellman.
"The Difficulty of Crossing a Field" is a haunting exploration of a mysterious event in the pre-Civil War American South, where a slave owner vanishes in broad daylight, witnessed by his family, neighbors, and slaves. The narrative unfolds through seven distinct scenes, each named after a poisonous plant, and interspersed with evocative interludes. The story is retold from various perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of voices and experiences.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including the Harlem String Quartet and Douglas Kinney Frost, who bring Lang's intricate compositions to life. The recording, made at Good Child Music and Studio G Brooklyn, captures the raw and powerful essence of the performance, making it a standout piece in David Lang's illustrious career. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or experimental jazz, "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field" offers a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience.
Tracks
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: OpeningDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [belladonna]: The first telling (Mrs. Williamson, Virginia, Chorus, Boy Sam)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, Isaiah Robinson, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 1: Today is the day (Williamson Girl)David Lang, Cree Carrico, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [monkshood]: The second telling (Armour Wren, Presiding Magistrate, Chorus)David Lang, Daniel Zippi, Jay O. Sanders, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 2David Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [poison hemlock]: The third telling (Williamson Girl, Williamson, Mrs. Williamson)David Lang, Cree Carrico, Jay O. Sanders, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [poison ivy]: The fourth Telling (Boy Sam, Chorus, Old Woman, Virginia)David Lang, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [loco weed]: The fifth telling (Presiding Magistrate, Andrew, Chorus)David Lang, Jay O. Sanders, Christopher Burchett, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 3: The disappearanceDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [black nightshade]: The sixth telling (Williamson, Williamson Girl, Boy Sam, Virginia)David Lang, Jay O. Sanders, Cree Carrico, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Wordless prayer of thanksDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [foxglove]: The seventh telling (Mrs. Williamson, Williamson Girl, Boy Sam, Chorus, Virginia)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Cree Carrico, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [foxglove]: The seventh telling (Opening Aria)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Melissa White, Douglas Kinney Frost
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