DOMINICK ARGENTO (b.1927): Postcard from Morocco.
Catalogue Number: 04K098
Label: Albany
Reference: TROY 1098/99
Format: CD
Price: $35.98
Description: Postcard is an opera consisting of pointless small talk - the kind of small talk that occurs between strangers meeting haphazardly under unremarkable circumstances, in this case a waiting room at a train station. The characters misunderstand each other, either because they actually have something to hide, or want to appear more interesting or accomplished than they actually are, or because they can't be bothered to explain themselves properly or to take the time to understand what is being said to them. What appear to be absurd caricatures are on reflection alarmingly reminiscent of conversations we've all had at one time or another in cabs or railway carriages, bars or pubs. The passengers get carried away with nonsense, form temporary alliances, bully each other, reveal unexpected vulnerabilities, and eventually depart for their next destination. Argento's music is breezily direct, moving things along with his customary emphasis on lyrical accessibility and vocal clarity to underline the nuances of the text. Playfully interacting with the singers, the instrumental music evokes a variety of musical idioms - dances, marches, national or local events or environments - in response to references in the text. Entertaining, and ultimately surprisingly serious, wistful, even a little sad. 2 CDs. Libretto included. The Curtis Opera Theatre; Rossen Milanov.