Flagello: The Piper of Hamelin

Nicolas Flagello (Composer), Jonathan Strasser (Conductor), Manhattan School of Music Preperatory Division Opera (Orchestra), Aleksei Archer (Performer), Andrew Wolinsky (Performer), Anthony Jimenez (Performer), Brace Negron (Performer), Jessica Dawer (Performer), Jose-Manuel Fernandez (Performer), José Manuel Fernández (Performer), Nicole McQuade (Performer), Troy Doney (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Aleksei Archer, Andrew Wolinsky, Anthony Jimenez, Brace Negron, Jessica Dawer, et al.
• Orchestra: Manhattan School of Music Preperatory Division Opera
• Conductor: Jonathan Strasser
• Composer: Nicolas Flagello
• Audio CD (August 17, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Newport Classic
• ASIN: B00000K0SD
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #535,984 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Children's theater people take note!, September 3, 1999

By	F. Behrens "Frank Behrens" (Keene, NH USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

It is difficult for us adults to judge how effective a children's show will be. First of all, they come in two types: those designed for children but featuring adults and those featuring children. In the first case , the quality of the music does not have to be down-market, so to speak, as in "Hansel und Gretel," which is quite approachable on any age-level. In the second case, the composer has to tread lightly. Nicolas Flagello's <The Piper of Hamelin> never quite rises to the level of Humperdinck at his best, but it is quite acceptable on its own terms, and most of the score is sung by Grownups. As performed "live" on a Newport Classic release (NCD 60153), it has convinced me that every person involved in juvenile dramatics should have a copy. The narration of Bob McGrath is the spoonful of sugar that makes the opera go down along with the personable voice of Brace Negron's Piper. The story is the familiar one but the ending has been changed so as not to upset the Tiny Tots; but I fear the metaphysics of the new ending might be a bit above their heads: the Piper reveals himself as the Spirit of Music! This works when Nicklausse in "Tales of Hoffmann" is so transformed, but here it seems a bit unnecessary and might prove confusing to the target audience. Still, we do what we can when it comes to Children's Theater. At moments there is a lot going on onstage, but we only hear the clumping and scenery being moved. However the enclosed libretto is quite liberal in letting us know what is going on (and is the Triumphal March in "Aida" really that less effective on a sound recording as long as it is well played?). Jonathan Strasser conducts the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division Opera Orchestra and the Cynthia Auerbach Children's Opera Theater, and the huge cast (they are all named in the booklet) is well drilled and lively.

1.0 out of 5 stars Very Disappointed, October 30, 2008

By	A Jersey Cook "LN" (Fort Lee, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

I purchased this CD because I was one of the original "towns people" when it debuted at Manhattan School of Music in 1969-70. The website said that all of the cast members were listed on the CD. I was NOT listed, however, I still have the original handout, where I am listed as a cast member.

Needless to say, I am very disappointed.

A "Townsperson from the Piper of Hamelin"