Also available on Blu-ray

A modern Opera adaptation by Charles Wuorinen based on Annie Proulx's short sorty previously adaptated by Ang Lee for the Oscar-winning film Brokeback Mountain.

Brokeback Mountain marks Wuorinen's return to the opera stage with one of the major works of his career, equally ambitious in its beauty and momentous tragedy. Brokeback is the story of ranch hand Ennis del Mar and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist, two young men who meet and fall in love on the fictional Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming in 1963. Wuorinen says "It's a story of doomed love, in this case a complex homosexual relationship taking place in a very homophobic society."

In a decidedly different approach than the film adaptation, Wuorinen creates a grittier atmosphere. The story and characters have been tightly condensed by Proulx. In reference to the genesis of the story Proulx has written "'Brokeback' was constructed on the small but tight idea of a couple of home-grown country kids, opinions and self-knowledge shaped by the world around them, finding themselves in emotional waters of increasing depth. I wanted to develop the story through a kind of literary sostenente."

In approaching the work for the stage Wuorinen writes "The music of Brokeback Mountain conveys the harsh magnificence of the Mountain where the protagonists first meet. Visiting Annie in Wyoming, seeing the land where the story is set and the characters shaped was invaluable, and it made a deep impression on me. Sometimes the score evokes the icy clarity of the high-altitude freedom the characters enjoy there. But the Mountain also breathes and storms, and the music projects this turbulence as well - especially when it transfers into the interior lives of the characters and their interactions in the human world. And the tragedy of the two principals, their doomed love, calls forth the most lyrical flights in the score."

With bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch and tenor Tom Randle. Staged by Ivo van Hove and conducted by Titus Engel.

This Blu-ray Disc is only playable on Blu-ray Disc players and not compatible with standard DVD players.

Also available on standard DVD

A modern Opera adaptation by Charles Wuorinen based on Annie Proulx's short sorty previously adaptated by Ang Lee for the Oscar-winning film Brokeback Mountain.

Brokeback Mountain marks Wuorinen's return to the opera stage with one of the major works of his career, equally ambitious in its beauty and momentous tragedy. Brokeback is the story of ranch hand Ennis del Mar and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist, two young men who meet and fall in love on the fictional Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming in 1963. Wuorinen says "It's a story of doomed love, in this case a complex homosexual relationship taking place in a very homophobic society."
In a decidedly different approach than the film adaptation, Wuorinen creates a grittier atmosphere. The story and characters have been tightly condensed by Proulx. In reference to the genesis of the story Proulx has written "'Brokeback' was constructed on the small but tight idea of a couple of home-grown country kids, opinions and self-knowledge shaped by the world around them, finding themselves in emotional waters of increasing depth. I wanted to develop the story through a kind of literary sostenente."
In approaching the work for the stage Wuorinen writes "The music of Brokeback Mountain conveys the harsh magnificence of the Mountain where the protagonists first meet. Visiting Annie in Wyoming, seeing the land where the story is set and the characters shaped was invaluable, and it made a deep impression on me. Sometimes the score evokes the icy clarity of the high-altitude freedom the characters enjoy there. But the Mountain also breathes and storms, and the music projects this turbulence as well - especially when it transfers into the interior lives of the characters and their interactions in the human world. And the tragedy of the two principals, their doomed love, calls forth the most lyrical flights in the score."
With bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch and tenor Tom Randle. Staged by Ivo van Hove and conducted by Titus Engel.

The Choirs of Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago include the two ensembles heard on this recording: the Cathedral Chamber Singers and the Gallery Singers, both founded in 1980. Coming from a wide spectrum of professions and interests, these singers enrich the sacred liturgy with offerings of the best choral repertoire, from Gregorian chant to the avant-garde, accompanied by the rich resources of two organs (Casavant 1981, II/19 and Flentrop 1989, IV/71) and Petit & Fritsen handbells. Music at Holy Name Cathedral continues to serve as an outreach to the wider community, inspired by the words of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, previous Archbishop of Chicago: "Our songs proclaim that faith is worth singing about!"

Combine the artistry of Richard Proulx and the glorious choral strains of the Cathedral Singers with delightful, often forgotten works of master composers like Mozart, Salieri, Diabelli, and Bruckner and you've got this must-have recording! Not only is the music stunning, but music enthusiasts will also love the wealth of historical notes on each piece and composer included in this collection!

In recent years chant has enjoyed a resurgence of interest and popularity. More Sublime Chant is an extension of the highly successful Sublime Chant, delving further into the glorious sounds of our past and once again featuring the voices of The Cathedral Singers under the direction of Richard Proulx. This beautiful recording includes Gregorian, Ambrosian, Mozarabic, and Sarum chants, many being recorded for the very first time! Chants for Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter are included, as are two mass settings. More Sublime Chant also features the complete Office of Compline, sung in English. The chants are realized in proportional, modal, and equalist rhythms, employing organum, drones, tone clusters, and ornamentation. The use of recorders, handbells, and small percussion, combined with the enchanting voices of The Cathedral Singers and the warm acoustics of Chicago's Columbus Hospital Chapel, make this recording yet another "must-have" for any music lover!