David Mason’s beautiful verse-adaptation of Hawthorne’s classic novel, The Scarlet Letter, astutely portrays its characers amid the Puritan society of 17th century New England. My music-lyrically expressive and intricately orchestrated- dramatizes the psychological underpinnings of this story. Though Hester is shamed for adultery, her steadfast strength of character reveals a true moral sense, while the weakness of both her lover and estranged husband ultimately yield their self-destruction. This is a world premiere recording made possible by a generous grant from the Sorel Organization.