The Moon's a Gong, Hung in the Wild

Album Description

"The Moon's a Gong, Hung in the Wild" is a captivating collection of songs composed by Jake Heggie, released in 2015 under AVIE Records. This album features a diverse range of vocal music, showcasing Heggie's versatility and depth as a composer. The 19-track album spans a duration of approximately 52 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences that are by turns rhapsodic, humorous, and nostalgic.

The album opens with a series of pieces inspired by art and sculpture, titled "Statuesque," followed by a suite of songs dedicated to the moon, "Songs to the Moon." These tracks are interspersed with standalone pieces like "Winter Roses," "The Breaking Waves," and traditional folk songs such as "Barb'ry Allen," "He's Gone Away," and "Danny Boy." The album concludes with the hauntingly beautiful "White in the Moon."

Recorded in January 2015 at the Lisztzentrum Raiding in Austria, the album benefits from the exceptional performances of Austrian mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager and Dutch pianist Maurice Lammerts van Bueren. Their collaboration brings a passionate and nuanced interpretation to Heggie's compositions, making this album a standout in the realm of classical vocal music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Jake Heggie's work or new to his compositions, "The Moon's a Gong, Hung in the Wild" offers a compelling and enjoyable listening experience.

4 september 2015

About Jake Heggie

Jake Heggie is a celebrated American composer renowned for his profound and emotionally resonant operas, art songs, and orchestral works. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Heggie's journey to musical prominence is marked by a deep commitment to exploring complex human emotions and narratives. His operas, such as the critically acclaimed "Dead Man Walking" and "Moby-Dick," have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place among the most significant opera composers of the 21st century. Heggie's collaborations with esteemed librettists like Terrence McNally and Gene Scheer have resulted in powerful works that tackle challenging and poignant subjects, from the emotional turmoil of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" to the harrowing tale of Captain Ahab in "Moby-Dick." Beyond his operatic achievements, Heggie has composed nearly 300 art songs and a variety of chamber, choral, and orchestral pieces, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer. His music is known for its dramatic acuity, lyrical beauty, and emotional depth, making it a favorite among performers and audiences alike. Heggie's dedication to mentoring young composers and his ongoing collaborations with renowned artists continue to enrich the classical music landscape.