Gerald Barry: The Importance of Being Earnest

Album Description

Gerald Barry's "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a thrilling operatic adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy, released in 2014 under the NMC Recordings label. This chamber music and avant-garde masterpiece clocks in at just under 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering a unique and exhilarating experience for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Composed by Gerald Barry, this fifth opera in his repertoire was specifically crafted for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Barbican in London, with performances taking place in 2013 and 2014. The opera is renowned for its relentless energy and high-wire act, pushing the stamina of the performers and delighting audiences with its unique blend of savagery and wit. Barry's score is anything but conventional, incorporating unexpected elements like gunshots, whistling, and spoken dialogue to magnify the fizzing quality of Wilde's original play.

The album features a stellar cast, including the renowned soprano Barbara Hannigan, along with Peter Tantsits, Joshua Bloom, and Katalin Károlyi, all accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Thomas Adès. The tracklist is meticulously detailed, guiding listeners through each act and scene of the opera, from the opening "Auld Lang Syne" to the explosive finale.

"Gerald Barry: The Importance of Being Earnest" is not just a recording; it's a live performance captured in its entirety, offering an intimate glimpse into the energy and dynamism of a live operatic experience. The avant-garde nature of the score, combined with the timeless wit of Wilde's dialogue, creates a unique and unforgettable listening experience. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or simply appreciate innovative and daring compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

4 november 2014

2014 NMC Recordings

2014 (P) NMC Recordings

About Gerald Barry

Gerald Barry, born in 1952 in Clarecastle, County Clare, Ireland, is a composer whose music is as daring as it is distinctive. With a background studying under the likes of Karlheinz Stockhausen and Mauricio Kagel, Barry's compositions are known for their avant-garde approach and surreal, often humorous, qualities. His operas, such as "The Intelligence Park" and works based on texts by Lewis Carroll, have made a significant impact on the contemporary music scene. Barry's chamber music and orchestral works are celebrated for their unique style, which, while influenced by minimalism and the avant-garde, remains unmistakably his own. Currently, or formerly, serving as Composer-in-Residence with the RTÉ Orchestras, Barry's music continues to captivate audiences with its bold and innovative spirit.