Getty: Usher House

Dive into the hauntingly beautiful world of Gordon Getty's "Usher House," a captivating opera that brings Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale "The Fall of the House of Usher" to life. Released in 2013 under the PentaTone label, this one-act opera is a masterclass in storytelling through music, with Getty himself penning the libretto. The album features a stellar cast, including Christian Elsner as Edgar Allan Poe, Etienne Dupuis as Roderick Usher, and Benedict Cumberbatch in a spoken role as the Attendant, accompanied by the Orquestra Gulbenkian under the baton of Lawrence Foster.

"Usher House" is a gripping exploration of madness, decay, and the supernatural, set to a score that is both accessible and thrilling. The opera unfolds over eight tracks, each a scene or prologue from the opera, immersing the audience in the eerie atmosphere of the Usher mansion. From the opening prologue's "dull, dark and soundless day" to the final, apocalyptic scene on All-Hallows’ Eve, Getty's music and Poe's narrative intertwine to create a chilling and unforgettable experience.

The album was recorded in the Grande Auditório of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal, and showcases the exceptional talents of both the soloists and the orchestra. With a duration of just over an hour, "Usher House" is a compelling listen from start to finish, a testament to Gordon Getty's skill as a composer and storyteller. Whether you're a fan of opera, Poe's works, or simply great music, "Usher House" is sure to captivate and enthrall.