John Adams' El Niño: A Modern Messiah

UPC 807280022193

Product Features

• Title: El Niño
• Composer: John Adams
• Libretto: John Adams, Peter Sellars
• Performers: Dawn Upshaw, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Willard White, with the Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin and Theatre Musical de Paris-Chatelet
• Conductor: Kent Nagano
• Stage Director: Peter Sellars
• Running Time: 147 minutes (Opera 115 min, Making of 32 min)
• Format: DVD, NTSC, Dual Layer
• Region Code: 0 (Region-Free)
• Sound Format: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.0, DTS 5.0
• Picture Format: 16:9
• Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian
• Special Features: Making of, including interviews with Peter Sellars, Kent Nagano, Dawn Upshaw, John Adams

Overview

John Adams' "El Niño" is an operatic exploration of the Nativity story, blending biblical narratives with contemporary reflections on motherhood and the divine. Described by Adams as his version of "The Messiah," this work juxtaposes the traditional story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with modern-day interpretations and experiences. The libretto, crafted by Adams and Sellars, weaves together a rich tapestry of texts, presenting an innovative and deeply moving portrayal of one of history's most enduring tales.

Interesting Facts

• Modern-Day Messiah: Adams' intention to create a 21st-century counterpart to Handel's Messiah, focusing on the timeless and universal themes of birth, faith, and redemption.
• Diverse Textual Sources: The libretto incorporates a variety of texts, including traditional scripture, poetry, and apocryphal writings, reflecting the complexity of the Nativity story.
• International Collaborations: A significant co-production involving prestigious institutions like the San Francisco Symphony, Lincoln Centre New York, and the Barbican Centre London.
• Critical Acclaim: Praised for its inventive score and high-caliber musical performance under the baton of Kent Nagano.

Track Listing and Timing

Details on specific tracks and their timings can be found on the DVD menu, providing viewers with an easy guide to the opera's rich musical and narrative landscape.

Key Credits

Libretto by: John Adams, Peter Sellars
Directed for Stage by: Peter Sellars
Conducted by: Kent Nagano
Executive Producers: Jean-Pierre Brossmann, Jacques Hedouin, Yves Rolland
Directed for Video by: Peter Maniura

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#JohnAdams #ElNiño #ModernMessiah #OperaDVD #KentNagano #DawnUpshaw #ContemporaryOpera #ClassicalMusic #OperaLovers #ArthausMusik