We use cookies on our website to provide you with the best experience.Most of these are essential and already present. We do require your explicit consent to save your cart and browsing history between visits.Read about cookies we use here.
Your cart and preferences will not be saved if you leave the site.
Originally released on Lovely Music in 1985. Robert Ashley makes use of the story of Atalanta
- a royal princess, discarded by her family, who was raised by the
animals to become the fastest-running human, and who was later reclaimed
by her father to marry her off for dynastic purposes - to present the
character aspects of the "successful suitor". These three aspects of
character are presented in the opera as anecdotes about three
extraordinary men of our times: Max Ernst (surrealist painter), Willard Reynolds (shaman storyteller), and Bud Powell
(composer pianist). The genius of these three men can be taken to
represent three aspects of the opera itself: image, narrative and music.
In the imaginary setting of Atalanta (Acts of God), one
companion (singer) reminds her of her excellence (the "Odalisque"
arias); another recommends to her the characteristics of excellence in
men (the "Character Reference" arias); and a third amuses her with
anecdotes, as if told to her by each of the three men (the "Anecdotes").
Personnel: Robert Ashley - solo voice; with Thomas Buckner, Carla Tato, Jacqueline Humbert - voices; "Blue" Gene Tyranny - keyboards; Paul Shorr - mixing, electronics. Recorded live at the Teatro Olimpico in Rome; Sung in English and Italian.
Details
Cat. number: LCD 3301
Year: 1970
Notes:
Volume One. Recorded live at the Teatro Olimpico, Rome, March 9, 1985 in English and Italian.
Dedicated to Dorothea Tanning - An Excellent Woman