Harry Somers' "A Midwinter Night's Dream" is a captivating avant-garde album that blends intricate compositions with a rich narrative structure. Released on April 1, 2012, under the Centrediscs label, this 13-track opus spans a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, offering a deep dive into Somers' unique musical vision.
The album is a multi-act, multi-scene musical journey, reminiscent of a theatrical performance. Each track is meticulously crafted, featuring a diverse array of vocal and instrumental elements. The ensemble includes a chorus, various soloists, and unique characters like Ai'o'u, Jimmy, and the Choir of the Dead, each contributing to the album's rich tapestry of sound.
Somers' compositional prowess shines through in the complex layering of voices and instruments, creating a soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful. The album's avant-garde nature is evident in its experimental approach, blending traditional choral elements with contemporary musical techniques.
"A Midwinter Night's Dream" is a testament to Harry Somers' innovative spirit and his ability to push the boundaries of classical and avant-garde music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of experimental music or a curious newcomer, this album promises a rewarding listening experience that challenges and delights in equal measure.
2012 Centrediscs2012 (P) Centrediscs
Tracks
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act I Scene 1: Oh, a, oh. A, uh, ah, oo (Chorus, Jimmy, Ai'o'u)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act I Scene 2, Pt. 1Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act I Scene 2, Pt. 2Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act I Scene 2, Pt. 3Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act I Scene 2, Pt. 4Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 1: Go ahead and laugh (Jimmy, Chorus, Ai'o'u)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 2: Pick a card. Any card (Seal, Jimmy)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 3: Come back! (Ai'o'u, Jimmy, Chorus)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 4: Tiptop. Tip, tip, top (Chorus, Trio, Duo, Quartet, Jimmy, Solo, Dead Kah'Tek)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 5: There Is only the rising of the tide (Ai'o'u, Choirmaster, Chorus) - IntroHarry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 5Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 6: The memories die hard (Choir of the Dead, Ai'o'u, Jimmy)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay
A Midwinter Night's Dream, Act II Scene 7: The midwinter feast, so much to remember (Kids, Eva, Jimmy, Nathan, Chief, Ai'o'u, Dead Kah'Tek, Daisy)Harry Somers, James Westman, Allyson McHardy, Michael Colvin, John Michael Schneider, Matthew Galloway, Heather Hudyma, Claire Hughes, Larissa Swenarchuk, Alexandra Beley, Shannon Gault, Claire Preston, Daniel Morphy, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Ann Cooper Gay