"David Lang's "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field" is a captivating exploration of narrative and sound, blending the boundaries between opera and theater. Commissioned by Carey Perloff and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, this ambitious work is based on a one-page story by Ambrose Bierce and was released in 2015 under the Cantaloupe Music label. The album is a collaborative effort between Lang and playwright Mac Wellman, featuring a unique fusion of arias, spoken text, and intense drama.
The album spans over 80 minutes, featuring a diverse cast of vocalists and the Harlem String Quartet, who bring Lang's intricate compositions to life. The narrative revolves around a mysterious disappearance and the varying accounts from the neighbors, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and musical expression. Each scene is named after a poisonous plant, adding a layer of intrigue and symbolism to the storytelling.
"The Difficulty of Crossing a Field" is not just an album; it's an immersive experience that challenges conventional musical boundaries. The album's free jazz influences and theatrical elements make it a standout piece in David Lang's discography. Whether you're a fan of opera, theater, or experimental music, this album offers a unique and engaging listening experience. The intricate layering of vocals, the haunting melodies, and the dramatic storytelling come together to create a work that is as thought-provoking as it is musically rich.
2015 Cantaloupe Music2015 Cantaloupe Music
Tracks
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: OpeningDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [belladonna]: The first telling (Mrs. Williamson, Virginia, Chorus, Boy Sam)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, Isaiah Robinson, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 1: Today is the day (Williamson Girl)David Lang, Cree Carrico, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [monkshood]: The second telling (Armour Wren, Presiding Magistrate, Chorus)David Lang, Daniel Zippi, Jay O. Sanders, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 2David Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [poison hemlock]: The third telling (Williamson Girl, Williamson, Mrs. Williamson)David Lang, Cree Carrico, Jay O. Sanders, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [poison ivy]: The fourth Telling (Boy Sam, Chorus, Old Woman, Virginia)David Lang, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [loco weed]: The fifth telling (Presiding Magistrate, Andrew, Chorus)David Lang, Jay O. Sanders, Christopher Burchett, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 3: The disappearanceDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [black nightshade]: The sixth telling (Williamson, Williamson Girl, Boy Sam, Virginia)David Lang, Jay O. Sanders, Cree Carrico, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Wordless prayer of thanksDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [foxglove]: The seventh telling (Mrs. Williamson, Williamson Girl, Boy Sam, Chorus, Virginia)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Cree Carrico, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [foxglove]: The seventh telling (Opening Aria)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Melissa White, Douglas Kinney Frost
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