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Joyce DiDonato|Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking

Jake Heggie

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Dead Man Walking, the 2000 opera with music by Jake Heggie and libretto by Terence McNally, has established itself as a classic among contemporary modern operas, with dozens of U.S. and international productions. The San Francisco Opera, which premiered the piece, released a very fine recording of the first production on Erato in 2001, conducted by Patrick Summers. Virgin Classics has issued a terrific new recording taken from a 2011 performance at the Houston Grand Opera, also conducted by Summers, making this one of the very few 21st century American operas with the distinction of having two professional recordings.
Listeners who want to choose between the versions won't go wrong with either and fans of the opera will want both. Two of the leading performers from the original recording return; besides Summers, Frederica von Stade reprises her wrenching portrayal of Mrs. De Rocher, a role Heggie wrote for her. (Also, John Packard, the first Joseph de Rocher, sings Owen Hart, father of the murdered girl.) The newer recording has more star power, including Measha Brueggergosman as Sister Rose, Susanne Mentzer as Jade Boucher, mother of the murdered boy, and rising star Philip Cutlip as Joseph de Rocher. Heggie wrote the role of Sister Helen Prejean for Susan Graham, who left an indelible mark on the part. Joyce DiDonato is no less memorable as Sister Helen, so listeners have the luxury of comparing two excellent interpretations, as they might, for instance, in a standard like La Traviata; there are many ways of approaching a part, and listeners can savor the different personalities and voices singers bring to the role. Graham is warmer and more vulnerable, and DiDonato is more incisive, making the most of Sister Helen's wry humor. Cutlip is vocally stronger and more dramatically engaging than Packard, and brings greater range to the part, more raw menace and more anguish. In both recordings the supporting roles are well taken, and the orchestral playing is outstanding. Both versions were recorded live; the sound in the new recording has a better sense of presence and immediacy, and that gives it an acoustic edge over the first.

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Dead Man Walking

Joyce DiDonato

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1
Dead Man Walking: Prelude (Live)
Patrick Summers
00:02:51

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

2
Dead Man Walking, Prologue: "Watching you" - "A Kiss in the Dark" (Boy, Girl, Joseph De Rocher, Anthony De Rocher) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:04:10

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

3
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "He will gather us around" (Sister Helen, Children, Sister Rose) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:04:05

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Chorus, FeaturedArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

4
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Heavens! Look at the time" (Sister Rose, First mother, Sister Lillianne, Sister Catherine, Jimmy Charlton, Mrs Charlton, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:51

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Kathleen Manley, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Brittany Wheeler, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Kiri Deonarine, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Zander Shepeard, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Laurelle Gowing, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

5
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Be careful people have always told me" (Sister Helen, A Motor Cop) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:08:14

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

6
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "This journey. This journey to Christ" (Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:54

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

7
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Sister Helen? I've been waiting for you" (Father Grenville, Sister Helen, Inmates) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:37

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Beau Gibson, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

8
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Some of them didn't look so bad" (Sister Helen, Father Grenville) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:18

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Beau Gibson, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

9
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "I don't like that man" (Sister Helen, Warden) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:28

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Chorus, FeaturedArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

10
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Woman on the tier!" (Guards, Inmates, Warden, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:52

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Boris Dyakov, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

11
Dead Man Walking, Actt 1: "Thank you" (Sister Helen, Inmates, Warden, Joseph) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:40

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

12
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Are you frightened?" (Sister Helen, Joseph) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:01:45

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

13
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "You ever been with a man?" (Joseph, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:44

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

14
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Five more minutes, De Rocher" (First guard, Joseph, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:46

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

15
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "The defendant's mother" (A Paralegal, Older brother, Joseph's mother) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:02:37

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Austin Dean, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Nancy Hall, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

16
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Joe, my Joe, is not a bad boy" (Joseph's mother, Owen Hart) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:01:57

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - John Packard, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

17
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "What you all say my Joe did is so terrible" (Joseph's mother) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:04:47

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

18
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "It's a good sign when they take so long to decide" (Sister Rose, Sister Helen, Owen Hart, Jade Boucher, Kitty Hart, Howard Boucher) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:05

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

19
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "You don't know what it's like to bear a child" (Jade Boucher, Kitty Hart, Sister Helen, Howard Boucher, Owen Hart, Joseph's mother) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:01

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

20
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "I'm sorry. So sorry" (Sister Helen, Owen Hart, Jade Boucher, Howard Boucher, Kitty Hart, A Paralegal, Sister Rose) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:27

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Nancy Hall, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

21
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "Guess your nun ain't comin' back" (First Prison Guard, Sister Helen, Joseph) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:01:25

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

22
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "I believe in the here and now" (Joseph, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:13

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

23
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "The Bible says" - "Excuse me. Do you have any change?" (Sister Helen, Joseph, Warden, First Prison Guard) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:01:42

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

24
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "He will gather us around, all around" (Children, Sister Rose, Inmates, Sister Helen, Joseph, A Motor Cop, Joseph's mother, Kitty and Owen Hart, Jade and Howard Boucher, Father Grenville) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:16

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Austin Dean, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cullen King, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Beau Gibson, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Chorus, FeaturedArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

25
Dead Man Walking, Act 1: "What happened?" (Warden, Sisters, Children, Joseph, Kitty and Owen Hart, Jade and Howard Boucher, Joseph's mother, Inmates, A Motor Cop, Father Grenville) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:01:28

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Brittany Wheeler, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Kiri Deonarine, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Beau Gibson, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Chorus, Chorus, FeaturedArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

DISC 2

1
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: Prelude (Live)
Patrick Summers
00:00:18

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

2
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "31 ... 32 ... 33 …" (Joseph, Warden) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:01:12

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

3
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Everybody hear that?" (Joseph, Warden, Inmates) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:05:39

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

4
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "The girl. I remember the girl" (Joseph) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:01:21

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

5
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Oh! Now and at the hour of our death. Amen" (Sister Helen, Sister Rose) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:04:22

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

6
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "God's love and forgiveness" - "Well? well?" (Sister Rose, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:06:57

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

7
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "What time is it?" (Inmates, Joseph, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:56

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

8
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Joseph! I'm scared" (Joseph, Sister Helen, First Prison Guard) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:50

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

9
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "The new Ford Mustangs are so cool" (Joseph's brothers, Joseph, Joseph's mother, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:01:53

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Austin Dean, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cullen King, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

10
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "All those people out there" (Joseph's mother, Sister Helen, First guard, Joseph, Second guard, Younger brother, Warden) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:04:40

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Boris Dyakov, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cullen King, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

11
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Don't say a word" (Joseph's mother, Joseph, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:05:35

Frederica von Stade, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

12
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Who will walk with me?" (Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:13

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

13
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Good evening" (Sister Helen, Howard and Jade Boucher, Kitty and Owen Hart, Second Prison Guard) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:33

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Boris Dyakov, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

14
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "I've said some harsh things" (Owen Hart, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:37

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - John Packard, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

15
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "You're a regular illustrated man" (First Pison Guard, Second Prison Guard, Inmates) [Live]
Patrick Summers
00:01:14

Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Boris Dyakov, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

16
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "How much longer? How much more time?" (Joseph, Sister Helen, Inmates) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:03:01

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

17
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "We'd been drinkin' and smokin' weed at the road house" (Joseph, Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:02:26

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

18
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "I killed her" (Joseph, Sister Helen, Warden, Father Grenville) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:04:39

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Beau Gibson, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

19
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "Dead Man Walking!" - "Our Father" (Warden, Father Grenville, Joseph, Sister Helen, Kitty and Owen Hart, Jade and Howard Boucher, Guards, Inmates) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:06:02

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Susanne Mentzer, Soprano Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Philip Cutlip, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Michael Sumuel, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Carey Michael O'Rarden, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Bradley Blunt, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Wesley Landry, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - James Jennings, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Leslie Biffle, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Rahki DeShon Marcelous, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Hector Vasquez, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Boris Dyakov, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - John Packard, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Cheryl Parrish, Narrator, FeaturedArtist - Jon Kolbet, Baritone Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Beau Gibson, Tenor Vocals, FeaturedArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

20
Dead Man Walking, Act 2: "He will gather us around, all around" (Sister Helen) [Live]
Joyce DiDonato
00:01:47

Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-soprano Vocals, MainArtist - Jake HEGGIE, Composer - Terrence McNally, Poet - Patrick Summers, Conductor, MainArtist - Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Orchestra, MainArtist

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

Album review

Dead Man Walking, the 2000 opera with music by Jake Heggie and libretto by Terence McNally, has established itself as a classic among contemporary modern operas, with dozens of U.S. and international productions. The San Francisco Opera, which premiered the piece, released a very fine recording of the first production on Erato in 2001, conducted by Patrick Summers. Virgin Classics has issued a terrific new recording taken from a 2011 performance at the Houston Grand Opera, also conducted by Summers, making this one of the very few 21st century American operas with the distinction of having two professional recordings.
Listeners who want to choose between the versions won't go wrong with either and fans of the opera will want both. Two of the leading performers from the original recording return; besides Summers, Frederica von Stade reprises her wrenching portrayal of Mrs. De Rocher, a role Heggie wrote for her. (Also, John Packard, the first Joseph de Rocher, sings Owen Hart, father of the murdered girl.) The newer recording has more star power, including Measha Brueggergosman as Sister Rose, Susanne Mentzer as Jade Boucher, mother of the murdered boy, and rising star Philip Cutlip as Joseph de Rocher. Heggie wrote the role of Sister Helen Prejean for Susan Graham, who left an indelible mark on the part. Joyce DiDonato is no less memorable as Sister Helen, so listeners have the luxury of comparing two excellent interpretations, as they might, for instance, in a standard like La Traviata; there are many ways of approaching a part, and listeners can savor the different personalities and voices singers bring to the role. Graham is warmer and more vulnerable, and DiDonato is more incisive, making the most of Sister Helen's wry humor. Cutlip is vocally stronger and more dramatically engaging than Packard, and brings greater range to the part, more raw menace and more anguish. In both recordings the supporting roles are well taken, and the orchestral playing is outstanding. Both versions were recorded live; the sound in the new recording has a better sense of presence and immediacy, and that gives it an acoustic edge over the first.

© TiVo

About the album

A Warner Classics/Erato release, © 2012 Parlophone Records Limited A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2012 Houston Grand Opera under exclusive licence to Parlophone Records Limited

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