FULL THE WOOING (Lehrman) Bethpage NY 2012 Gregory Mercer, Benjamin Spierman, Hannah Spierman, Helene Williams

Information on the Performance

• Work Title: The Wooing  
• Composer: Lehrman Leonard  
• Libretto: Abel Meeropol (aka Lewis Allan) originally written for Elie Siegmeister (1954) based on Anton Chekhov's play "The Boor"    Libretto Text, Libretto Index
• Venue & Opera Company: Bethpage Public Library, New York State Russian Opera Mini-Festival  
• Recorded: December 2, 2012
• Type: Staged Opera Live
• Singers: Gregory Mercer, Benjamin Spierman, Hannah Spierman, Helene Williams
• Conductor:   
• Orchestra: Leonard Lehrman, PIANO  
• Stage Director:   
• Costume Designer:   

Information about the Recording

• Published by: Leonard J. Lehrman  
• Date Published: 2012  
• Format: Unknown
• Quality Video: 3 Audio:3
• Subtitles: nosubs  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE

“The Wooing” is especially good and ought to take its place
with other one-act operas. It could be used as the opener on a
double or triple bill with Menotti’s “The Telephone” or some other
two-character opera. It might work well with a middle-aged couple as
contrasted with the younger couple in “The Telephone,” and will
certainly permit the two principal singers an opportunity to show
their dramatic (as well as vocal) capabilities.
–Burton A. Zipser, Director, Oakland Performing Arts, Michigan

I enjoyed the rapid turnover of ideas, moods and colours.
From the inspirational openers celebrating political freedom
and social justice, through the rich mix of witty and
whimsical tableaux, the Siegmeister miniatures,
and then the extraordinary operatic sendup of The Wooing,
it’s a fascinating and eclectic collection.
The artfulness of the music, the vocal élan, and the sheer
engagement of the performers, combine to impressive effect….
The CD offers a real musical kaleidoscope,
and hopefully will expose many new listeners
to the wide-ranging and deeply committed talents of Abel Meeropol.
–Alex Skovron, Melbourne, 12/17/03

I found a lot to like in “The Wooing.”
The fierce comic madness alternating with full-out passion,
delivered with a wide vocabulary of musical ideas was a treat.
I also liked Siegmester’s “Snowman,”
the flowing melody of his “The Moon,”
your delightful “The Purple Couch,”
Weill’s “Inventory,” and Engel’s “Monologue,” among others.
–Stephen Lawrence 9/3/03

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