Classical Lost And Found

Classical Lost And Found: Jonathan Dove's Heavenly 'Angel'

Tobias and the Angel i i

'Tobias And The Angel', based on a story from the Apocrypha, follows Tobias through a series of mystical encounters. hide caption

itoggle caption
Tobias and the Angel




The story opens in Nineve (Nineveh), where Tobias’ father Tobit sings an aria bemoaning the oppression and murder of Jews by the Assyrians.  Musically, there's a catchy nine-note riff that sounds like Bartok — a distant cousin, perhaps, of the opening theme from the finale of his Concerto for Orchestra.

An arresting market place scene follows, with a wild song and dance set to a klezmer band. And from this point the plot thickens, but other highpoints include a terrific morning wake-up chorus of sparrows, sung by children, and an organ-reinforced aria for a resident demon.

The Trees: ‘How hard is wood’

There’s also an enchanting pastoral mountain scene with some standout choruses. These include one for the trees, a mystical echo number for men, another for women representing a river, and those children again chanting the part of a gigantic magic fish to the exotic strains of accordion, harp and organ.

Purchase: MP3/iTunes

The opera ends with more of those infectious sparrows, snatches of the mountain choruses, and a heavenly ensemble number followed by a final orchestral reference to that opening Bartok-like motif.

Based on a highly successful 2006 stage production, this premiere recording, conducted by David Charles Abell, is superbly realized. Each of the soloists delivers beautifully sung characterizations of their respective roles. The choruses and orchestral ensemble are equally impressive.

Let's hope Jonathan Dove continues his creative adventures in the world of opera.



