"Huang Ruo: An American Soldier" is a profound and gripping opera album set to release on May 23, 2025, under the label Platoon. Composed by the talented Ruo Huang, this album spans an impressive 1 hour and 39 minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience for any music enthusiast.
The album is structured as a two-act opera, delving into the complex narrative of Danny Chen, a Chinese-American soldier, and his family's journey through the legal and emotional aftermath of his tragic death while serving in the U.S. Army. Each track is meticulously crafted to represent different scenes and characters, bringing the story to life with a blend of poignant lyrics and powerful musical arrangements.
From the intense courtroom drama in "An American Soldier, Act I Scene 1: The Courtroom" to the hauntingly beautiful "Moon Duet" between Danny and Josephine, the album showcases Huang's ability to weave a tapestry of emotions and themes. The diverse cast of characters, including Mother Chen, Judge, and various soldiers, adds depth and nuance to the storytelling.
Huang Ruo's compositional prowess shines through in the varied musical styles and motifs, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary elements. The album is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive narrative that explores themes of identity, family, and the cost of war.
"Huang Ruo: An American Soldier" is a testament to Ruo Huang's artistic vision and his ability to create a compelling and thought-provoking musical experience. Whether you're a fan of opera, contemporary classical music, or simply appreciate a well-crafted story, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tracks
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 1: The Courtroom (Judge, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Christian Simmons
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 1: No One's Listening (Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 2: Chinatown All-American Dream (Josephine, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Hannah Cho
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 2: You Can Do Better (Josephine, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Hannah Cho
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 2: I want something different (Danny, Josephine)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Hannah Cho
An American Soldier: Act I Scene 3: Mother Chen (Mother Chen, Judge, Rose, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Ben Brady, Christian Simmons, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 3: Disowned (Judge, Mother Chen, Danny, Baker)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Joshua Sanders, Christian Simmons
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 4: How Could You Enlist (Mother Chen, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 4: An American Soldier (Danny, Mother Chen)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 5: Fort Benning (Judge, Johnston, Mother Chen, Danny, Josephine, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Hannah Cho, Christian Simmons, James C. Harris, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 5: Drinking Song (Danny, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 6: Fort Wainwright (Judge, Gonzalez, Stanton, Danny, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Shelén Hughes, Christian Simmons, Cierra Byrd, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act I Scene 6: Hero (Danny, Soldier, Mother Chen, Josephine)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Hannah Cho, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 1: Kandahar (Marcum, Danny, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Alex DeSocio
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 1: I'll Make Him a Soldier (Marcum, Judge, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Alex DeSocio, Christian Simmons
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 1: Hey Danny (Josephine, Danny, Mother Chen)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Hannah Cho, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 1: Moon Duet (Danny, Josephine)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Hannah Cho, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 2: Speak Chinese (Marcum, Haldemann, Danny, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Alex DeSocio, Brian Vu, Ben Brady
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 2: Look the Other Way (Danny, Marcum, Haldemann)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Alex DeSocio, Ben Brady, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 3: Manny Davis (Davis, Danny, Rose)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Christian Simmons, Ben Brady, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 3: Vegge, Pull the Plug (Rose, Parker, Mother Chen, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, James C. Harris, Brian Vu, Ben Brady
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 3: I'm Sorry Ama (Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 3: What Real War is Like (Markum, Mother Chen)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Alex DeSocio
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 3: What is an American (Marcum, Mother Chen, Danny, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Alex DeSocio, Brian Vu
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 4: The Verdict (Judge, Mother Chen)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Christian Simmons
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 4: E Pluribus Unum Chorus (Sergeant, Soldiers)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 4: An American Dream (Mother Chen, Danny)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Brian Vu, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
An American Soldier, Act II Scene 4: Sleep now little one (Mother Chen)Ruo Huang, American Composers Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen
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