Leonardo Balada's "Hangman! Hangman! / The Town of Greed" is a captivating collection of chamber operas that delves into the realms of drama, suspense, and storytelling through music. Released on September 12, 2002, under the Naxos label, this album is a testament to Balada's prowess in composing engaging and thought-provoking works.
The album features two distinct operas: "Hangman! Hangman!" and "The Town of Greed." The former is based on a cowboy ballad, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The latter, a sequel to "Hangman! Hangman!", continues the narrative with a gripping tale set in a town consumed by greed.
Performed by the Carnegie Mellon Opera Theater with guest singers and the Pittsburgh Camerata, the album showcases a rich tapestry of vocal and instrumental performances. The chamber music ensemble adds depth and texture to the dramatic narratives, making each scene come alive.
With a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album is a substantial exploration of Balada's musical storytelling. The detailed tracklist includes various scenes and musical sections, each contributing to the overall drama and intrigue of the operas.
Leonardo Balada's "Hangman! Hangman! / The Town of Greed" is not just an album; it's an immersive experience that combines the power of music with compelling storytelling. Whether you're a fan of opera, chamber music, or simply appreciate well-crafted narratives, this album offers a rich and engaging listen.
(C) 2002 Naxos(P) 2002 Naxos
Tracks
Hangman! Hangman!: PrologueLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: IntroductionLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 1: The Sheriff and the Hangman enterLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 1: "Wait! Gimme a break..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 2: Sheriff and Hangman announce entrance of Johnny's MotherLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 2: Duet - "Have you brought me silver?"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 2: "Let's get him..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 3: "Hangman, slack your rope..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 3: Sheriff, Hangman and Townspeople "Let's check That i'ts not a lie..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 3: "Sorry sonny Johnny..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: Instrumental sectionLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "Hangman, slack your rope..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "Wait! I'm his sweetheart..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "No waiting..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!, Scene 4: "I don't ask your forgiveness..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: Finale. "Nonsense..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: Finale. "Viva Johnny!!"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
Hangman! Hangman!: Finale. "What the heck!..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: PreludeLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed, Pt. I Scene I: "Petting my cigar..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: Deals - "Hi Mr. Johnny"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: Lento: "In my dreams I rode high..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: A deal - "I'm Tokopoko"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: "I am your sweetheart..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: "Sorry sweetheart..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. I: Johnny, back in his office with Mother, Father and SweetheartLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: "There Is trouble in town..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: "Let's hang him at once..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: "Quiet everyone..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: Lento molto - Finale love duet: "I love you"Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: Più Mosso: "Pull him..."Leonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce
The Town of Greed: Pt. II: EpilogueLeonardo Balada, Robert Fire, Natalya Kraevsky, James Longmire, Stephen Neely, Elizabeth Sederburg, Patrick Jacobs, Anthony McKay, Craig Raymaley, Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble, Colman Pearce