Jennifer Higdon - Higdon: Cold Mountain (LP)

Jennifer Higdon's "Cold Mountain" is a monumental two-act opera, released on April 1, 2016, under the Pentatone label. Spanning an impressive 2 hours and 25 minutes, this sprawling work is a testament to Higdon's compositional prowess and her ability to craft a deeply immersive narrative through music. The opera is based on Charles Frazier's acclaimed novel of the same name, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Higdon's score is a rich tapestry of orchestral and vocal elements, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary techniques to create a sound that is both evocative and innovative. The tracklist, divided into two acts, guides the audience through a complex journey of love, war, and redemption, with each song contributing to the overarching story. Higdon's "Cold Mountain" is not just an opera; it's an experience that challenges and captivates, showcasing the power of music to tell compelling stories and evoke profound emotions.