Scott Joplin: Treemonisha
Günther Schuller & Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
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| Total: 27 Songs |
Customer Reviews
Joplin's Showstopping Magnum Opus
Lost for nearly sixty years, Joplin's most daring and musically broad work TREEMONISHA was re-discovered in the early 1970's. On its opening night in 1972 in Atlanta the final composition, "A Real Slow Drag" was played in encore thrice, hinting at the emotional power held within a impressive work combing aspects of classical romanticism, Joplin's own classic ragtime, and African-American folk music. In the realm of folk-inspired composition, Joplin's TREEMONISHA easily stands among such masterpieces as Edvard Grieg's incidental music for Peer Gynt. Joplin's work is truly one of the little known gems of modern opera. It is musically serious--it was Joplin's aim to produce something at least comparable to the best of European opera being composed in 1911. However, the story of Treemonisha and her crusade against ignorance and superstition amongst African-Americans in the post-Emancipation South is light-heartedly rousing. Joplin's central image of education as an antidote to all social ills and a saviour to oppressed peoples everywhere is as relevant today as it was 95 years ago at the time of TREEMONISHA's composition. Many of Joplin's works, such as Bethena, have always hinted at a musical complexity far beyond "ordinary" Ragtime, and TREEMONISHA serves to confirm not only that, but, moreoever, firmly establishes Joplin as the musical genius that he was and is and places him amongst the company of the best classical composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
America's Shining Star O' Opera
This work is frosting AND the cake! Along with the piano music of Chopin, Joplin is a parallel force of creative uniqueness in my opinion. Below the engaging and melancholy melodies lies a neo-classical structure that is in turn vivid, lush, seemingly sophisticated yet loveable. He is essentially, a Chopin of America integrating American idioms into new sound that is classically grounded but fresh. Treemonisha is simply a great, approachable opera and a sincere joy to listen to! Warm orchestration and good melody provide momentum though a little slow at times. Soon comes the pinnacle achievement and a fitting finale "A Real Slow Drag" which is the summit of Joplin's writing--ragtime and all. It begins with a captivating and heartfelt aria that folds into the choir's ragtime-rooted main melody, which displays a soaring anthem-like quality taking a series of sweet-lilting turns leading to the celebratory end. I find myself listening to THIS song... over and over and over which, Joplin intended more or less because he wrote the songs each as separate entities within the opera's philosophical framework. Treemonisha is an affirming step of power and the continuation of European opera and music dramas, etc. and an absolutely infectious work of art that lingers with you. --Very Recommended! (Joplin actually wrote two operas; preceded by Treemonisha was Guest of Honor, which has been lost to history. Guest of Honor also made use of ragtime components).
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