![The Gospel at Colonus [Original Cast]](http://images.insound.com/177/INS30732.jpg)
2006, Nonesuch
Playwright Lee Breuer and composer Bob Telson had an idea: Retell the story of Oedipus using a gospel choir and soloists as the storytellers. The result was The Gospel at Colonus, which had a very successful theatrical run and produced the extraordinarily beautiful song suite presented here. Telson made the inspired decision to allow much of the weight of the enterprise to be borne by the enormous talents of Clarence Fountain & the Five Blind Boys of Alabama and the J.D. Steele Singers, featuring the absolutely incredible voice of Jevetta Steele (who would have a bit of a hit with the title song from the film {Calling You}). Some of the songs are priceless: "Stop Do Not Go On," with its heartfelt vocal urgings from Sam Butler, is a showstopper of its own, but it's followed by "How Shall I See You Through My Tears," a devastating number with Steele singing in a voice possessed of positively unearthly beauty. Intriguingly, not only can Breuer's lyrics be read as either traditional gospel text or pertaining to the story of Oedipus, but they can also often be heard as love songs from the R&B tradition. There's not a weak song on the record. Telson, a one-time member of the Philip Glass Ensemble and an associate of numerous jazz musicians (Lenny Pickett and John Hagen are in the ensemble here, for instance), successfully sublimates these influences and manages to create a remarkably authentic pop-gospel hybrid by entrusting the interpretation of his pieces to the artists who deeply know the genre. When the entire cast converges for the penultimate "Lift Him Up," the effect is nothing short of electrifying. Highly recommended not only for fans of gospel music but also for anyone interested in the diverse directions of contemporary music in general. [AMG]
Customer Reviews
1 reviews
Joe ClarkeI loved the production so much that I went out right away and purchased the album. It was on my turntable for a long time as I absorbed the story again and again through the music. I couldn't believe that the lyrics were not modified to give them a Christian spin, so I bought the Oedipus Cycle play translated by Robert Fitzgerald, which is the translation that was used by Breuer for his adaptation. I was pleasantly surprised to find that all the lyrics come straight from the text.
I really cannot top the reviews that others have already been given, so I'll just add a note about the use of gospel music to tell this ageless story. Fitzgerald in his preface to his translation states that Greek theater had a musical element that was essential to the emotional impact of the play. The chorus was a musical component of the orginal plays structure. At the time of his writing this, there were no ideas as to what this music would have sounded like. He said that he had once heard the play done with Gregorian chant done for the chorus; and although he thought that this was an interesting attempt to re-capture some of the emotional impact of the play, he felt it didn't really succeed for him.
My experience of the Gospel at Colonus is that the Gospel music brings it to life, it becomes real, personal. Oedipus's story becomes the story of suffering, fate, free-will, redemption and deliverance. One cannot help but here the struggle of African Americans and their deliverance from slavery in their close identification with Oedipus's search for sanctuary and a resting place. The performances are excellent. The Blind Boys and Morgan Freeman have since gone on to international recognition. The rest are equally worthy. Peace and Enjoy.
I really cannot top the reviews that others have already been given, so I'll just add a note about the use of gospel music to tell this ageless story. Fitzgerald in his preface to his translation states that Greek theater had a musical element that was essential to the emotional impact of the play. The chorus was a musical component of the orginal plays structure. At the time of his writing this, there were no ideas as to what this music would have sounded like. He said that he had once heard the play done with Gregorian chant done for the chorus; and although he thought that this was an interesting attempt to re-capture some of the emotional impact of the play, he felt it didn't really succeed for him.
My experience of the Gospel at Colonus is that the Gospel music brings it to life, it becomes real, personal. Oedipus's story becomes the story of suffering, fate, free-will, redemption and deliverance. One cannot help but here the struggle of African Americans and their deliverance from slavery in their close identification with Oedipus's search for sanctuary and a resting place. The performances are excellent. The Blind Boys and Morgan Freeman have since gone on to international recognition. The rest are equally worthy. Peace and Enjoy.