Black Water cover art

Black Water

An American Opera

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Black Water

By: John Duffy, Joyce Carol Oates
Narrated by: Karen Burlingame, Patrick Mason
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About this listen

 Based on National Book Award-winner Joyce Carol Oates' novella about the Chappaquiddick scandal, this tragic and beautiful new opera enthralls as a handsome Senator uses power to enchant, seduce, and carelessly destroy.©1998 Joyce Carol Oates (P)1998 L.A. Theatre Works Drama & Plays

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Editor reviews

Here, in the tradition of Nixon in China, Joyce Carol Oates and composer John Duffy present a roman à clef about the scandal of Ted Kennedy at Chappaquiddick, based on Oates's novel of the same name. For modern opera, the music is particularly accessible, if not exactly tuneful. The pristine recording preserves a live concert performance in Los Angeles, featuring a superb cast backed by a three-piece instrumental ensemble. Karen Burlingame as Kelly and Patrick Mason as the Senator stand out for their fine voices and passionate portrayals.

Critic reviews

"For modern opera, the music is particularly accessible...Karen Burlingame as Kelly and Patrick Nelson as the Senator stand out for their fine voices and passionate portrayals." ( AudioFile)
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