This release is an outstanding version of Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha. Not only because this recording - which was orchestrated by the American composer and jazz musician Gunther Schuller in 1975 for the Houston Grand Opera - probably comes the closest to Joplin’s original intention, but also because the recording’s crisp and bright sound can now be cherished on 2 SACDs, complete with a full libretto in English.
-----
REVIEWS:
The cast is well balanced and convincing-interesting to hear Willard White, as Ned, well before his later triumphs--the recording, showing its age slightly, is adequate and the whole production much to be welcomed on to Compact Disc.
-- Gramophone review of original DG release on CD [8/1992]
This release is an outstanding version of Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha. Not only because this recording - which was orchestrated by the American composer and jazz musician Gunther Schuller in 1975 for the Houston Grand Opera - probably comes the closest to Joplin’s original intention, but also because the recording’s crisp and bright sound can now be cherished on 2 SACDs, complete with a full libretto in English.
Orchestra/Ensemble: Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
Performer: Ben Harney, Betty Allen, Carmen Balthrop, Cora Johnson, Curtis Rayam, Dorceal Duckens, Dwight Ransom, Edward Pierson, Kenneth Hicks, Raymond Bazemore, Willard White
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.