Bigsmorgasbordwunderwerk

Squonk Opera

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 2000)
• Original Release Date: September 26, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B00004YL73
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #401,385 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Drank Big Drink

2. In the Kitchen of the Mountain King

3. Air of the...

4. Dance of the Seven Vowels

5. Sighs of Her Eyes

6. What Stirs

7. Gadabout

8. Whirl Din Din

9. Eat You Up

10. Caught

11. Whirring of the Wheel

12. Tines

13. Spoon

14. One Bite Too

15. Blade

16. Touched

17. In Wavelet White

18. Everything Stirs

Editorial Reviews

From Rhythm Magazine

Squonk Opera's apparent purpose is to kick opera down from its elitist perch, but that's not to say that the group wants to make the genre more accessible to the masses. Like Le Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, whose recordings don't necessarily help listeners visualize the actual live performance, Squonk Opera's latest project, which made it to Broadway, is a weird amalgam that draws from a multitude of art forms and musical genres. As the title reveals, the latest work is vaguely about food, but that's like saying that Hair was a play about hirsuteness. Not only are the lyrics sparse and cryptic and the vocals intentionally incomprehensible but, except for "In the kitchen of the mountain king," which does sort of evoke Edvard Grieg, the sounds, like the visuals and effects on stage, are often unpredictable. Many of those who have seen this latest work do consider it a jolly good time. At the very least this group cannot be accused of resorting to clichis. -Paul-Emile Comeau

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Opera of the Senses, November 5, 2002

By	lipschtik (In A World Of My Own) - See all my reviews

I have known about this amazingly creative theatrical troupe/musical group since the 90's, and I was lucky enough to finally be able to see their production of "BSWW" recently. The stage settings, artistry, and musicianship all blended together perfectly; the theme of the production is left up to the viewer to make what they will of it. The idea that I took away from it personally is that it is a "feast of the senses"-funny, dark, abstract, and even beautiful in some instances. The music flows along perfectly throughout, and Jody Abbott has an angelic, powerful voice that helps drive it all. Squonk Opera is art personified in all its most glorious forms, and they are an act not to be missed. I am proud to say that they are a local band/troupe, stationed out of their main base of Pittsburgh, PA.-I for one am so glad we have such a fantastic group of artists/musicians who are forever evolving in their craft. While this production is several years old, I am anxiously awaiting my chance to see their next production of "Inferno", which was just staged last year (the recently released cd is gorgeous-don't know if it can be purchased here or not as it is an independent...best to try their website). I highly recommend this cd to anyone who loves dreamlike, artsy/progressive music..and if you ever get the chance to see them perform live, don't pass it up!!! :-)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why You Should Buy This CD, February 13, 2004

By	Iritscen "Animé Connoisseur" (CT, USA) - See all my reviews

Okay, so maybe you're not interested in soundtracks to plays or musicals. Well, guess what? Neither am I!

Bigsmorgasbordwunderwerk is neither pretentious nor "Broadway". It is a unique sonic experience (even when subtracted from the show) that blends skill with whimsy. If you like your music moody, moving, and just plain unusual, this is a fine choice to add to your collection. It is a tastefully-spicy dish you can't *not* like!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Silly and profound, March 2, 2003

By	liz albin (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Bsbww is a very rich piece. The musical lines (vocal and instrumental) are very interesting. While seeing the show should be on your list, the CD is worth every penny.