Harry Somers: The Fool / The Death of Enkidu

This new edition in the Centrediscs’ Window on Somers series includes two chamber operas by Canadian composer Harry Somers – The Fool (1953) and The Death of Enkidu (1977). Somers’ operas are among the most highly regarded works in the Canadian canon, and given the dearth of Canadian opera available as commercial recordings, these additions to the Centrediscs catalogue will delight opera lovers, and make great companions to the other two Somers’ opera recordings on the Centrediscs label.

“While it probably goes without saying that any new recording of the music of one of Canada’s major composers deserves attention, this spectacular two-disc set is a milestone. Not only does it mark The Fool‘s long-overdue return to the catalogue of recorded performances, it also contains the world premiere of the curiously neglected Death of Enkidu. The recording is a winner in terms of its stunning, exhilarating performances. And by filling in significant gaps in the Somers discography, it is to be strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in opera or contemporary music.”
– Edward Jurowski, CAML Review

CD 1: The Fool

1. Beginning, Scene I

2. Queen’s entrance

3. Fool’s entrance

4. Soliloquy

5. Interlude & Start of Scene II

6. King’s entrance

7. King’s aria

8. Motet

9. Fool and King

10. Ending

CD 2: The Death of Enkidu

1. Scene 1

2. Scene 2

PERFORMERS:

Actor/comédienne: Amanda Parsons
Mezzo-soprano: Julie Nesrallah
Tenor/ténor: Martin Houtman
Tenor/ténor: David Pomeroy
Baritone/baryton: Doug Macnaughton
Bass/basse: Alain Coulombe
Conductor/chef d’orchestre: Les Dala