Gerald Barry: The Importance of Being Earnest

Album Description

Dive into the world of Gerald Barry's unique operatic vision with "The Importance of Being Earnest," a captivating chamber opera that reimagines Oscar Wilde's classic play. Released in 2014, this avant-garde masterpiece by Gerald Barry is a riotous exploration of Wilde's sharp wit and social commentary, set to a score that is as unconventional as it is compelling.

Comprising 37 tracks, this live recording captures the essence of Barry's opera, which was first performed in 2012. The opera is a wild ride through the genteel Edwardian manners of Wilde's original play, revealing the savagery and absurdity that lies beneath the surface. Barry's composition is a testament to his innovative approach to music, blending chamber music with avant-garde elements to create a sound that is both familiar and strikingly original.

The album features a stellar cast, including Barbara Hannigan, Peter Tantsits, Joshua Bloom, and Katalin Károlyi, who bring the characters of Wilde's play to life with their powerful performances. The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, conducted by Thomas Adès, provides the orchestral accompaniment, adding depth and richness to Barry's score.

With a duration of just over an hour and twenty minutes, "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a thrilling journey through the world of Oscar Wilde, as seen through the lens of Gerald Barry's unique artistic vision. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or simply appreciate innovative and thought-provoking art, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

November 4, 2014

2014 NMC Recordings

2014 (P) NMC Recordings

About Gerald Barry

Gerald Barry, born in 1952 in Clarehill, Clarecastle, County Clare, Ireland, is a renowned Irish composer celebrated for his distinctive and innovative approach to music. His compositions are known for their pointillistic style, characterized by a sense of airiness and intricate musical phrases. Barry's educational journey took him from St. Flannan's College in Ennis to University College Dublin, and further to Amsterdam and Cologne, where he studied with esteemed composers like Peter Schat, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Mauricio Kagel.

Barry's body of work includes six successful operas and a vast catalog of other compositions, showcasing his versatility and mastery across various genres. His opera "The Importance of Being Earnest" has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Large-Scale Composition Award from the Royal Philharmonic Society in 2013 and earning a Grammy nomination. This operatic adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic play is often hailed as one of the most original stage works of recent times.

Beyond his operatic achievements, Barry's compositions span chamber music and avant-garde genres, reflecting his experimental and boundary-pushing spirit. His works have been performed by esteemed ensembles and soloists, highlighting his influence and reputation in the contemporary music scene. Gerald Barry's music continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, solidifying his status as one of Ireland's most admired composers.