Leonard Bernstein's "A Quiet Place" is a profound and intimate chamber opera that marks a significant contribution to the classical music repertoire. Released on June 22, 2018, under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a labor of love, commemorating the centenary of Bernstein's birth. Conducted by Kent Nagano and performed by the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the opera is a deeply personal exploration of family dynamics, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a New York family's gathering.
The opera is divided into three acts, each filled with a rich tapestry of dialogues, arias, and ensemble pieces that bring the characters to life. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 33 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the narrative. Bernstein's composition is notable for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, blending orchestral and vocal elements to create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.
"A Quiet Place" is not just a musical work but a deeply human story, filled with moments of humor, tension, and poignant reflection. The opera's themes of family, memory, and the search for meaning are universal, making it a resonant and moving experience for audiences. The world premiere recording features an outstanding cast, including renowned artists who bring Bernstein's characters to life with nuance and depth.
For fans of classical music and opera, this album is a must-listen, showcasing Bernstein's mastery of the form and his ability to craft a compelling narrative through music. The collaboration with Kent Nagano and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal ensures a performance of the highest caliber, making this a standout release in the classical music world. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Bernstein's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "A Quiet Place" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Prologue "The path of truth is plain and safe”Leonard Bernstein, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Rupert Charlesworth, Daniel Belcher, Annie Rosen, Steven Humes, Maija Skille, John Tessier, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 1. "I am sorry, ma'am"Leonard Bernstein, Rupert Charlesworth, Maija Skille, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 2. “She wasn’t exactly what you would call a beautiful woman”Leonard Bernstein, Maija Skille, John Tessier, Annie Rosen, Steven Humes, Rupert Charlesworth, Daniel Belcher, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 3. “Dede! Darlin how’ve you been?” & Arietta “Fantastic, great!”Leonard Bernstein, Annie Rosen, Claudia Boyle, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 4. “You’re so like her”Leonard Bernstein, Annie Rosen, Claudia Boyle, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 5. “Uh, Susie - You must be François”Leonard Bernstein, Annie Rosen, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Daniel Belcher, Steven Humes, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 6. “Oh François, come.”Leonard Bernstein, Daniel Belcher, Joseph Kaiser, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 7. “Welcome to the Family.”Leonard Bernstein, Maija Skille, Joseph Kaiser, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 8. “Say, who’s that character with…”Leonard Bernstein, John Tessier, Rupert Charlesworth, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Dialogue 9. “Dede, where’s your brother"Leonard Bernstein, Annie Rosen, Claudia Boyle, Daniel Belcher, John Tessier, Joseph Kaiser, Rupert Charlesworth, Maija Skille, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Readings "Who can find a virtuous woman?" & Choral “God has his ways”Leonard Bernstein, Steven Humes, Maija Skille, Claudia Boyle, Daniel Belcher, Annie Rosen, Joseph Kaiser, Gordon Bintner, Rupert Charlesworth, John Tessier, Choeur de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Aria “You’re late…”Leonard Bernstein, Lucas Meachem, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Trio “Dear Daddy, Daddy dear”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: Finale “Merry Christmas to you too, asshole”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 1: PostludeLeonard Bernstein, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 2: Aria “I wish I could sleep"Leonard Bernstein, Lucas Meachem, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 2: Scene “What are you doing?”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 2: “First, I would like to sing you a little song”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 2: “I coming…closer”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 2: Aria “I’ve been afraid”Leonard Bernstein, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: PreludeLeonard Bernstein, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Aria “Morning. Good Morning”Leonard Bernstein, Claudia Boyle, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Scene “The one and only cereal”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Claudia Boyle, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Tag #1 “Ha! Absence makes the heart grow fonder! & Trio “Oh! Bon anniversaire”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Tag #2 “Watch it! Watch out!”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Claudia Boyle, Lucas Meachem, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Aria “Oh, François, please. Somehow it’s meant for you”Leonard Bernstein, Lucas Meachem, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Aria “Dear loved ones” & Laughing ChorusLeonard Bernstein, Joseph Kaiser, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Gordon Bintner, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Scene “I like it here! You mean, maybe you would…”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Aria “Stop. You will not take another step!”Leonard Bernstein, Joseph Kaiser, Lucas Meachem, Gordon Bintner, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano
A Quiet Place - Ed. Sunderland / Act 3: Aria “You see, Daddy, that death does bring some relief”Leonard Bernstein, Gordon Bintner, Lucas Meachem, Claudia Boyle, Joseph Kaiser, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Kent Nagano