Edward Tulane
VIA, 2023
9/10
A groundbreaking performance, Edward Tulane was the first work by a woman commissioned as part of Minnesota Opera's New Works Initiative, and it presents the music of Paola Prestini and the libretto of Mark Campbell in two acts, where the story illuminates the talents of Jack Swanson, Zulimar López-Hernández, Brian Vu, Zachary James, Elise Quagliata, Jeremiah Sanders, Benjamin Sieverding, Victoria Vargas, Jasmine Habersham, Keely Futterer, Danielle Beckvermit, Nicholas Davis, Lisa Marie Rogali, Christian Sanders, and conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya.
The listen opens with the flowing and animated strings that eventually brings in the baritone, tenor and soprano voices for the expressive and gripping storytelling that can retreat to calmer moments of beauty.
Further into Act 1, the low vocals of “Scene 8” are met with the lively soprano singing, as the music finds gentle areas to reside, and “Scene 11” finishes with a distinct dreaminess that embraces soaring vocals and intimate song craft.
The back half of the listen begins with the soft and emotive interaction between the players, where the strong baritones won’t go unappreciated, and it isn’t long until the cinematic qualities of “Scene 5” emit much warmth and playfulness. “Scene 9”then exits with a brief but glowing display of meticulous songwriting and eloquent storytelling.
A project that is based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo and tells the story about finding one’s way home, Swanson’s tenor vocals are extremely rich and delivered flawlessly, and the excellent cast surrounding him make for an incredible performance.
Travels well with: Kavita Shah- Cape Verdean Blues; Plínio Fernandes- Bacheando