The Tender Land

One of the best operas you have never heard of! Copland's 'The Tender Land' was composed between 1952 and 1954 for the NBC Television Opera Workshop, but NBC producers ended up rejecting the opera for unknown reasons. It's premiere at City Opera in New York was ill-received as Copland has intended the work for the intimate setting of TV and not a large stage. Sadly, this inauspicious begining has overshadowed what was one of the first quintessentially 'American' operas. 'The Tender Land' takes place in the mid-western U.S. in the 1930's. Laurie, the soprano lead, is the focus of the opera and is surrounded by her Family (Mother, Grandpa, and sister Beth), but soon meets drifters Martin and Top. The plot takes an ill turn and deals with very real subjects such as molestation, coersion, and false accusations. The opera is filled with beautiful music, such as the touching 'Laurie's Song', which tells of a girl's coming of age. Two ensemble numbers have made the jump from the opera into the American Choral repertoire; 'The promise of Living' (which ends Act I) and 'Stomp your foot down on the floor' (from Act II). This recording is well sung and showcases Copland's gorgeous score. This is an often over-looked piece, but an important piece in American opera, and an influential work for composers like Carlisle Floyd. This work deserves a renaissance. The Tender Land is stunning!

Price: $49.98