Georgia Shreve’s Lavinia and Anna Komnene is nothing short of a triumph, seamlessly blending music, literature, and history into a spellbinding journey through the lives of two courageous women of antiquity. With her masterful neo-classical compositions, Shreve has crafted an album that is both sweeping and intimate, classical yet cinematic, creating a soundscape that captures the strength, femininity, and complexity of her heroines. It’s hard to believe that Shreve not only composed the music but also wrote the words and shaped the dramaturgy—her talent across multiple disciplines is astounding, and her work belongs among the upper echelons of modern composition.
The orchestral writing throughout Lavinia and Anna Komnene is breathtaking in its scope and emotional depth. The Czech National Symphony, under the baton of renowned conductor Steven Mercurio, delivers a performance that is assured, sensitive, and full of vitality. Mercurio, who has worked with luminaries such as Andrea Bocelli and the legendary Three Tenors, brings a wealth of experience and a commanding presence to this recording. His interpretation of Shreve’s music highlights the sweeping gestures and strong emotions while also embracing the nuanced femininity that underpins the stories of Lavinia and Anna Komnene.
Shreve’s writing is nothing short of cinematic, with moments of grandeur that feel almost operatic in scale. The orchestral textures are lush and vibrant, with each section of the orchestra working together to create a sound that is as vivid as it is immersive. Yet, despite the sheer scale of the orchestral writing, there is also a deep sense of intimacy in the music. Shreve’s compositions capture not only the power and courage of these historical figures but also their vulnerabilities and emotional struggles. It is this balance between strength and sensitivity that makes Lavinia and Anna Komnene such a compelling and unforgettable listening experience.
The vocal performances on this album are nothing short of world-class. Wendy Bryn Harmer, who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, shines in the dual roles of Lavinia and Anna Komnene. Her portrayal of these powerful women is both commanding and tender, with a voice that effortlessly conveys both strength and vulnerability. Harmer’s final duet with tenor Roy Hage in Lavinia is one of the highlights of the album—an emotionally charged performance that is haunting in its intensity and impossible to stop listening to. Hage’s voice is sweet yet powerful, with an uncommonly gorgeous tone that blends beautifully with Harmer’s. Their duet is a masterclass in vocal artistry and color, showcasing the depth of emotion that both singers bring to their roles.
Alexander McKissick, another standout, delivers a world-class performance as Turnus and Constantine. His tenor voice is full of strength and elegance, and his ability to convey the complexity of his characters is impressive. Brandon Cedel, whose resonant bass-baritone has graced stages from the Metropolitan Opera to Glyndebourne, provides a commanding presence as Latinus and John, with a voice that is both powerful and richly expressive. Cedel’s storytelling through song is captivating, making him a perfect fit for Shreve’s dramatic writing.
The rest of the cast, including Jacqueline Bolier, Carla Jablonsky, Elizabeth Sutphen, and Tim McDevitt, contribute to an ensemble that is as strong as it is cohesive. Each singer brings their own unique strengths to the table, making this recording a true ensemble effort. The luxury casting across the board elevates Lavinia and Anna Komnene to the highest levels of vocal performance.
Anna Komnene, in particular, stands out as a magical piece—a true journey that takes the listener through a world of history, emotion, and imagination. Shreve’s ability to craft such a compelling narrative through music is nothing short of spellbinding. The journey through Anna’s story is both mesmerizing and profound, leaving the listener with a deep sense of awe and admiration for Shreve’s talents. The complexity of the writing, both musically and dramatically, makes Anna Komnene a piece that deserves repeated listening, each time revealing new layers of meaning and beauty.
Georgia Shreve’s Lavinia and Anna Komnene is a work of exceptional artistry, combining world-class orchestral and vocal performances with some of the most compelling modern compositions in recent memory. Shreve’s ability to blend classical music with cinematic elements, all while telling deeply emotional and historically rich stories, is a testament to her genius. Her biography reads as though it belongs to four different people, each excelling in their own field. But it is this singular vision and extraordinary talent that make Georgia Shreve a force to be reckoned with in the world of contemporary classical music.
This recording is required listening for anyone who appreciates the art of composition at its highest level. Georgia Shreve should be a household name, and Lavinia and Anna Komnene is a powerful reminder of why.
About the artist: Georgia Shreve is an internationally acclaimed composer, writer, and polymath whose work spans music, literature, and visual arts. Over her 40-year career, Shreve has created more than 100 original compositions, plays, poems, and novels, earning her a place among the most versatile and prolific artists of her generation. Her music has been performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and National Sawdust. Among her celebrated works are two semi-operatic oratorios, Lavinia and Anna Komnene, which premiered at Alice Tully Hall with a 62-piece orchestra and an all-star cast. Shreve’s compositions are lauded for their sophistication, blending music, literature, and visual art to create deeply immersive experiences. She recently recorded Lives of a Woman with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Shreve’s writings have been published in renowned publications such as The New Yorker, The New Republic, and The New Criterion. Her latest book of poetry, Messages Never Sent, showcases her mastery of language and her ability to evoke complex emotions. She is also the recipient of the Stanford Magazine Fiction Award.
For more details visit: www.georgiashreve.com
