Customer Reviews

Copland: The Second Hurricane / In the Beginning (Bernstein Century)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"In the Beginning" is gorgeously done, with the soloist's text clearly sung, allowing full comprehension and enjoyment. The 'opera' "The Second Hurricane" is a fun story about a group of high school students originally going to assist in a disaster aid effort when they themselves get caught in a second hurricane. Bernstein conducts and plays a tongue-in-cheek narator which just adds to the fun.

Now I see why this CD is the first and so far only recording of Second Hurricane on CD. This work is not a Copland gem, as most of his works are, and hence why he was such a successful composer.

The parts he wrote for the chorus of parents, text and music, is of dubious value to the opera's quality. All they ever sing about is what is going on as if they are telling the story, like a Greek chorus. The performers lack serious acting skills. When they have to stop singing and recite their lines, they are so drab and unengaged. However, the work does have its moments, mainly the handful of arias. These pieces should be exorcised from the opera and allowed to stand alone as a set of Copland songs.

In the Beginning has its good moments. The ending is lucious and full, while the beginning is dark and empty. Copland inevitably adds his hallmark American style to sections; it's a bit strange for the text he used, but enjoyable nevertheless.

If you want a Copland opera, get Tender Land. If you have Tender Land, you don't need this opera unless, like me, you must have any Copland work that has ever been recorded.