Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Howard Hanson's "Merry Mount," a captivating orchestral journey based on his only opera, commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera. This album, released on November 20, 1998, under the Naxos label, is a testament to Hanson's mastery of classical composition, blending engaging orchestration with profound storytelling.
"Merry Mount" is a suite derived from Hanson's opera, which is based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The May-Pole of Merry Mount." The opera itself was a significant success upon its premiere at the Met, and this suite captures the essence of that dramatic narrative. The album's duration of 2 hours and 6 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of Hanson's musical prowess, with each track weaving a tapestry of emotions and themes.
The suite from the opera is notably lightweight yet engagingly scored, showcasing Hanson's ability to create memorable melodies and evocative harmonies. The Lament for Beowulf, another highlight, is powerfully elegiac, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. The libretto, which opposes pagan voices with those of Christianity and juxtaposes a tragic love story, adds depth to the musical experience.
Howard Hanson, a prominent figure in American classical music, composed "Merry Mount" in 1934. His unique style and innovative approach to orchestration are evident throughout this suite. The album features performances by the New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra, with notable contributions from Tullio Serafin and Lawrence Tibbett, adding a layer of authenticity and historical significance to the recording.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Merry Mount" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's blend of dramatic intensity, lyrical beauty, and historical context makes it a standout addition to any classical music collection. Dive into the world of Howard Hanson and discover the timeless allure of "Merry Mount."
1998 Naxos1998 Naxos
Tracks
Merry Mount, Op. 31: PreludeHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Be as a Lion, Dread Jehovah... From Plots of Hell and WitcheriesHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Ah - I Deny Thy ChristHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: A Savoury Discourse, Good Master BradfordHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Last Night Came One That Paced a-Down the Stairway of the SkyHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: My Son, Thou'rt Over-Ripe for Marriage!Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: The Willow Keep to Thatch Our SleepHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Plentiful Tewke Hath Catched the Preacher!Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Gi' You Good Night, Sir...Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Scratch a Roundhead, Find a Rebel...Thrones of the Earth Be Idle ThingsHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Right Rev'rend Priest, Our Holy Joy...Respect the Sabbath DayHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Marigold! Lady!...Lets Us Be Lions of JehovahHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Curtains Calls and CommentaryHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Prelude - I Wind and I Wind, My True Love to FindHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: From Forth the Hill...I Christen 'Marry Mount' - Maypole DanceHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: CommentaryHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Long Live the LadyHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Marigold! When the Morning Stars Together SangHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Methinks I See Th'infernal Redezous of Satan and His Bond-SlavesHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: CommentaryHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: O Pity Me! Thou Alone of Women Canst Heal This Tortured HeartHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Let Them Strike Twice, and I Will Come to Thee!Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Hale Her to the Village, a Prisoner...Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Almighty Father, My King and My GodHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Chorus of Mystic VoicesHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Alleluia! Alleluia!Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Now Thou Art MineHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Rise Up, My Love My Fair OneHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: CommentaryHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: PreludeHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Gird You With SackclothHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Never More Shall Prayer Ravish These Lips!...Howard Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Woe, woe! Lost Sheep Are WeHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: No Witch Am I; but One That Long Ago Was HappyHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Ay, Even Now Thy Lover Frets At Hellgate - Death to the WitchHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
Merry Mount, Op. 31: Commentary & Curtain CallsHoward Hanson, Göta Ljungberg, Gladys Swarthout, Lawrence Tibbett, New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Tullio Serafin
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