Dive into the captivating world of William Schuman's "The Mighty Casey - A Question of Taste," a double album that masterfully blends storytelling and music. Released on January 4, 2011, under the Delos label, this album spans an impressive 2 hours and 9 minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience.
Schuman, known for his innovative approach to music, presents two distinct yet equally engaging works. "The Mighty Casey," a baseball opera, brings to life the classic poem by Ernest Thayer. The album's first half is filled with lively scenes, from the anticipation of the big game to the dramatic moments on the field. Schuman's composition brings out the excitement and tension of the sport, making it a thrilling listen.
The second half of the album features "A Question of Taste," a one-act opera that delves into the complexities of love, wealth, and social expectations. With its intricate plot and memorable characters, this opera showcases Schuman's ability to create compelling narratives through music.
Throughout the album, Schuman's unique compositional style shines, blending elements of modernism with accessible melodies. The performances by the various artists are top-notch, bringing Schuman's vision to life with skill and passion. Whether you're a fan of opera, baseball, or simply great music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2011 Delos(P) 2011 Delos
Tracks
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Noon of the Big DayWilliam Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Championship of the State (Watchman, Merry)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Strategy (Thatcher, Snedeker)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Peanuts, popcorn, soda, crackerjacks (Watchman, Concessionaire, Hawkers)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Dance of the Hawkers (Watchman, Charlie)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: The Mighty Casey (Watchman, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Autograph (Charlie, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: You look so sweet today (Watchman, Merry)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 1: Kiss me not goodbye (Merry, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Last half of the Ninth (Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Two out (Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: If only Casey (Chorus, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: A prayer (Merry)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Surprise (Chorus, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: This gladdened multitude (Watchman, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: You're doin' fine kid (Catcher, Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Rhubarb: 'Ya blind (Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: I'm fed to the teeth (Manager)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: A strike's a strike (Umpire, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: The Rhubarb Dance (Watchman, Umpire, Chorus)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Hist'ry hangs on a slender thread (Chorus, Snedeker)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 2: Oh, somewhere (Watchman)William Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
The Mighty Casey, Scene 3: Twilight of the big dayWilliam Schuman, Franco Pomponi, Catherine Thorpe, David Corman, Russell Cusick, Derek Dreyer, Carlos Conde, James Russell, Stacey Robinson, Juilliard Opera Center, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: PreludeWilliam Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: No, no, the knives go on the right (Mrs. Hudson, Louise)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Your Father expects This (Louise, Tom)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: I'm not a man to your Father's taste (Tom, Louise, Mrs. Schofield)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Our wealth Is our love (Tom, Louise)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: There's been a small accident, I fear (Mrs. Schofield, Pratt)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: No meal can be called complete (Mrs. Schofield, Pratt, Schofield)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Here now! You'll never name This one (Schofield, Pratt)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: An interesting little wine (Pratt, Schofield)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Is That your final answer? (Schofield, Pratt)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: I believe these glasses Are yours, sir (Mrs. Hudson)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: Our chance now at last (Tom, Louise, Schofield, Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Hudson)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz
A Question of Taste: This wine glass tonight will bubble and sing (Tom, Louise, Schofield, Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Hudson)William Schuman, Angela Norton, Elizabeth Grohowski, Travis Paul Groves, Elizabeth Bishop, David Corman, Scott Wilde, Carolyn Scimone, Juilliard Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz