Experience the vivid and captivating world of thirteenth-century China with Judith Weir's "A Night at the Chinese Opera," a live choral masterpiece that brings history and drama to life. This album, released on April 1, 2012, under NMC Recordings, is a testament to Judith Weir's unique compositional voice and her fascination with the era of Marco Polo and Kublai Khan.
Spanning over an hour and thirty-three minutes, this three-act opera is a rich tapestry of vocal and orchestral textures, featuring the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a stellar cast of soloists. The story unfolds around Chao Sun, an explorer and mapmaker, and his son Chao Lin, who is tasked with building a canal. At its heart lies the tragic tale of "The Orphan of Zhao," a military drama that adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.
Premiered in 1987, "A Night at the Chinese Opera" has stood the test of time, retaining its freshness and vitality. Weir's score is a colorful depiction of a bygone era, filled with vivid imagery and dramatic tension. From the haunting "Nightwatchman's Song" to the powerful "Earthquake" coda, each track is a journey into a world of ancient rituals, political intrigue, and personal sacrifice.
This album is not just a recording but a live performance that captures the energy and excitement of the stage. Whether you're a fan of choral music, opera, or historical dramas, "A Night at the Chinese Opera" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the world of Judith Weir's imagination and discover the timeless appeal of this remarkable work.
2012 NMC Recordings2012 (P) NMC Recordings
Tracks
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Nightwatchman's Song - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Aubade - LiveJudith Weir, Michael Chance, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Sextet - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Adey Grummet, Frances McCafferty, Adrian Thompson, Michael Chance, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Mrs Chin's Peroration - LiveJudith Weir, Frances McCafferty, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Kite, in moto perpetuo - LiveJudith Weir, Adrian Thompson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Aria, with Rising Floodwaters - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Michael Chance, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Chansonette - LiveJudith Weir, Frances Lynch, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Seven-Part Motet - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Frances McCafferty, Adrian Thompson, Michael George, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act I: Finale - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Frances McCafferty, Adrian Thompson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: The Wedge (Or Prelude) - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: First Act of "The Orphan" (Live)Judith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Second Act of "The Orphan" - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Third Act of "The Orphan" - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Fourth Act of "The Orphan" - LiveJudith Weir, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act II: Coda. Eathquake - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Introduction. Recitativo. Il Gran Cane ha fatto - LiveJudith Weir, Timothy Robinson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Prisoners' Chorus - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Michael Chance, Michael George, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Misterioso - LiveJudith Weir, Frances McCafferty, Gwion Thomas, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: The Ascent - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: The Blue Sky! - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Adrian Thompson, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Nocturne - LiveJudith Weir, Gwion Thomas, Michael Chance, Michael George, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
A Night at the Chinese Opera, Op. 3, Act III: Finale - LiveJudith Weir, Michael Chance, Adey Grummet, Frances Lynch, Karl Daymond, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Andrew Parrott
Dame Judith Weir, born in 1954 to Scottish parents in Cambridge, is a renowned British composer whose music is celebrated for its distinctive and compelling voice. Weir's compositions often draw inspiration from medieval texts, history, and Scottish folklore, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with audiences. She studied composition with esteemed mentors such as John Tavener, Robin Holloway, and Gunther Schuller, honing her craft to become one of the most influential figures in contemporary classical music. Weir made history as the first woman to be appointed Master of the Queen's Music, a position she held from 2014 to 2024, further cementing her legacy in the musical world. Her extensive body of work, particularly in the choral genre, has been widely recorded and is available on prestigious labels such as NMC, Delphian, and Signum. Weir's music invites listeners into a world of evocative storytelling and emotional depth, making her a standout figure in the realm of classical composition.
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Judith Weir
