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For You
2 CD Set
Michael Berkeley
Ian McEwan
Music Theatre Wales
Michael Rafferty conductor
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“The music, conducted here by Michael Rafferty, is energetic, deftly coloured and carefully balanced, allowing the excellent voices, including Alan Opie’s Frieth, to make their due mark.”
****
The Sunday Times |
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“… it bristles with wit and lyricism, while giving other composers and librettists a lesson in how to drape operativ tradition in modern clothes.”
The Financial Times, September 2010 |
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“Berkeley’s score is lively, abrasive and strongly crafted … the performance (recorded live) is focused, with excellent orchestral playing and a strong central performance by Alan Opie.”
The Daily Telegraph, October 2010 |
For You is a new opera that brings together the music of composer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Michael Berkeley and Booker-prize winning author Ian McEwan. This gripping tale of love, lust and obsession centers on the composer and prodigious womanizer Charles Frieth (Alan Opie), and the tragic consequences that his selfish actions cause him and those around.
Although essentially dark, there are moments of irony, wit, and humour throughout the opera. Soaring vocal lines, intricate ensemble pieces, and imaginative instrumental writing make this an electrifying work. Masterly performed by Music Theatre Wales, directed by Michael Rafferty.
The Opera has had great success from its initial performances in Wales and the Royal Opera House provoking great reviews.
“For You is a dark opera worth waiting for.”
The Evening Standard
“... a dazzling and taut chamber piece which gives passionate way to Bergian lyricism while referencing both Britten and Richard Strauss in its airy, word-driven vocal lines.”
The Independent
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