The Voyage Of Edgar Allen Poe
BMOP/Sound, 2025
9/10
Listen to The Voyage Of Edgar Allen Poe
The Boston Modern Orchestra Project fleshes out the debut of Dominick Argento’s The Voyage Of Edgar Allen Poe, where the 2 act work unfolds across 2 discs of detailed musicianship.
“Prologue: A Dock In Richmond” opens with the soaring voices amid sparse instrumentation, and the following 5 scenes emit flowing strings, expressive singing from baritone and soprano pipes and vivid storytelling in both bare and fuller moments.
“The Lecture” exits the first half, and in 13 minutes it moves with sophistication and grace via plenty of vocal layering.
Disc 2 offers us 5 scenes that utilize mesmerizing keys and intimate strings initially, before the animated winds and rich radiates emits firm gestures. “Epilogue: A Dock In Baltimore” exits, and it’s a dreamy finish with colorful voices illuminating the rich landscape.
The ensemble do justice to Argento’s vision, where Peter Tantsits’ role as Poe and Gil Rose’s conducting keeps us involved from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Lontano Ensemble- Choctaw Places; April Clayton/Miguel Del Aguila- Torrential Raindance