Premiered in 2007 in Norway, American composer Justin Dello Joio's one act opera, Blue Mountain, was written to commemorate the 100th year of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg's death. The opera is based on descriptions of Grieg's final days (September 1907), and includes the roles of Grieg, his wife Nina, his physician, and his friend and champion, Percy Grainger. Dello Joio's colorful score weaves in references to a number of Grieg's works, including his Violin Sonata in C minor, one of his Lyric Pieces for Piano, (Evening in the Mountains) a brief snatch of Peer Gynt, and references to his Piano Concerto. Justin Dello Joio's music can also be heard on BRIDGE 9220, performed by Garrick Ohlsson, Ani Kavafian, Jeremy Denk and Carter Brey For more information, please visit http://www.justindellojoio.com
Reviews:
“The performance is a brave one. The voices ring out with power.” - American Record Guide
“This one-act opera is an impressive piece of work. The performances are excellent.” - Fanfare
“The Norwegian Wind Ensemble plays with precision and evident sympathy for the work’s drama and atmosphere. Conductor Kenneth Jean is equally sure-footed throughout. The engineering team has captured Blue Mountain and preserved it as an involving and immediate listening experience on CD.” - International Record Review
“The work gains tremendously in atmosphere whenever Dello Joio weaves Grieg’s music into the texture.” - Gramophone
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A Chamber Opera in One Act
Nils Harald Sødal; Njål Sparbo
Marianne Andersen, Torben Grue
The Norwegian Wind Ensemble
Kenneth Jean, conductor
BRIDGE 9273