Description
Carlisle Floyd's Susannah - St. Petersburg Opera by Naxos (DVD)
UPC: 0747515538157
Product Features
- Title: Susannah
- Composer: Carlisle Floyd
- Conductor: Mark Sforzini
- Stage Director: Michael Unger
- Opera: Susannah (1955)
- Main Cast:Orchestra: St. Petersburg Opera Orchestra and Chorus
- Susannah: Susan Hellman Spatafora, Soprano
- Olin Blitch: Todd Donovan, Baritone
- Little Bat: Scott Wichael, Tenor
- Sam: Anthony Wright Webb, Tenor
- Elder McLean: Brian Wehrle, Bass
- Elder Ott: Benjamin Bloomfield, Bass-baritone
- Elder Hayes: Stanley Wilson, Tenor
- Elder Gleaton: Fred Frabotta, Character Tenor
- Mrs. McLean: Melissa Misener, Mezzo-soprano
- Mrs. Ott: Robyn Rocklein, Mezzo-soprano
- Mrs. Hayes: Stefanie Izzo, Soprano
- Mrs. Gleaton: Aleksandra Ritums, Soprano
- Language: English
- Subtitles: N/A
- Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
- Aspect Ratio: NTSC 16:9
- Sound: PCM Stereo
- Running Time: 105:35 minutes
- Bonus Features:
- Interview with Carlisle Floyd
- Behind-the-scenes footage
Overview
Carlisle Floyd's Susannah is an iconic American opera that premiered in 1955, becoming the second most performed opera by an American composer. Set in rural Tennessee and loosely based on the biblical story of Susannah and the Elders, this opera combines folk melodies and hymns to convey themes of innocence, accusation, and redemption.
This production, filmed at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg, Florida, stars soprano Susan Hellman Spatafora as Susannah, with baritone Todd Donovan as the reverend Olin Blitch. The St. Petersburg Opera Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of conductor Mark Sforzini, brings the opera’s rich emotional landscape to life.
Stage Director Michael Unger creates an intimate portrayal of small-town life and religious fervor, making this production of Susannah one of striking contemporary relevance.
Interesting Facts
- Susannah won the New York Music Critics’ Circle Award in 1956 and remains one of the most performed American operas.
- Carlisle Floyd, considered one of the founding fathers of American opera, both composed the music and wrote the libretto for Susannah.
- The opera’s storyline, rooted in Appalachian culture, reflects the struggles of innocence in a judgmental society, making it timeless and relevant to modern audiences.
- This production features exclusive backstage footage and an interview with Carlisle Floyd, providing deeper insight into the creation and impact of the opera.
Track Listing
- Act 1
- "Ain't it a pretty night" – Susannah's aria
- "The revival scene" – Olin Blitch
- Act 2
- Susannah's confrontation with the elders
- The tragic climax and resolution
Publishers
- Naxos Rights US, Inc.
- Filming supported by the Helen Torres Foundation and other benefactors.
Hashtags
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