Leonardo Balada's "Muerte de Colon" is a captivating exploration of historical and cultural themes, presented in the intimate setting of chamber music. Released on September 29, 2009, under the Naxos label, this ambitious work spans over an hour and thirty-four minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience. Balada, known for his innovative and dramatic compositions, crafts a narrative that intertwines the final days of Christopher Columbus with broader historical and philosophical reflections.
The album is structured as a two-act opera, with each scene meticulously detailed in the tracklist. It begins with "Barcelona - Return of Columbus" and unfolds through a series of vivid scenes, each portraying different aspects of Columbus's life and legacy. The music is interwoven with Latin texts, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the storytelling. From the haunting chants of monks to the dramatic dialogues between historical figures, Balada's composition is both a historical retelling and a profound meditation on power, discovery, and the human condition.
The album features a diverse range of characters, including Columbus himself, Queen Isabella, King Ferdinand, and various other historical and mythical figures. The music shifts seamlessly between scenes, capturing the essence of each moment with striking precision. The use of chamber music allows for a intimate and focused exploration of the themes, highlighting the emotional and psychological depths of the characters.
Leonardo Balada's "Muerte de Colon" is not just a musical work but a historical and cultural journey. It invites the audience to reflect on the complexities of history and the enduring impact of Columbus's voyages. With its rich narrative and evocative music, this album is a testament to Balada's skill as a composer and his ability to blend historical narrative with profound musical expression.
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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