Composer

:

Sasha Matson

Genre

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

01:43:04

Cooperstown, a jazz opera in nine innings, is a unique and innovative opera composed by Sasha Matson. The opera was composed in 1999 and premiered on July 9, 1999, at the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, New York. The opera is a tribute to the American pastime of baseball and is structured around nine innings, each representing a different aspect of the game. The plot of the opera revolves around a fictional baseball team, the Cooperstown Iron Horses, and their journey to the championship game. The team is led by their star player, Jack "The Hammer" McGuire, who is struggling with personal demons and a failing marriage. The team's owner, Charlie, is facing financial difficulties and is forced to sell the team to a wealthy businessman, Mr. Applegate, who has his own agenda for the team. The opera is divided into nine innings, each representing a different aspect of the game. The first inning, "The National Anthem," sets the stage for the game and introduces the characters. The second inning, "The Pitcher," focuses on the team's pitcher, who is struggling with his own personal demons. The third inning, "The Catcher," introduces the team's catcher, who is dealing with the pressure of the game and his own personal life. The fourth inning, "The Infield," focuses on the team's infielders and their struggles on and off the field. The fifth inning, "The Outfield," introduces the team's outfielders and their own personal struggles. The sixth inning, "The Manager," focuses on the team's manager, who is dealing with the pressure of the game and his own personal life. The seventh inning, "The Fans," introduces the fans and their love for the game. The eighth inning, "The Umpire," focuses on the umpire and his role in the game. The final inning, "The Championship," brings the story to a climax as the Cooperstown Iron Horses face off against their rivals in the championship game. The music of Cooperstown is a unique blend of jazz, classical, and popular music. The opera features a full orchestra, jazz ensemble, and a chorus. The music is characterized by its use of improvisation, syncopation, and swing rhythms. Overall, Cooperstown, a jazz opera in nine innings, is a unique and innovative opera that pays tribute to the American pastime of baseball. The opera's structure around nine innings and its use of jazz music make it a one-of-a-kind experience for opera-goers and baseball fans alike.

More....