Label: Lovely Music, Ltd. – LCD 3301-2
Format: 2 x CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1997
Genre: Classical
Style: Contemporary
Released on Lovely Music in 1985. Robert Ashley makes use of the story of Atalanta - a royal princess, discarded by her family, who was raised by the animals to become the fastest-running human, and who was later reclaimed by her father to marry her off for dynastic purposes - to present the character aspects of the "successful suitor". These three aspects of character are presented in the opera as anecdotes about three extraordinary men of our times: Max Ernst (surrealist painter), Willard Reynolds (shaman storyteller), and Bud Powell (composer pianist). The genius of these three men can be taken to represent three aspects of the opera itself: image, narrative and music. In the imaginary setting of Atalanta (Acts of God), one companion (singer) reminds her of her excellence (the "Odalisque" arias); another recommends to her the characteristics of excellence in men (the "Character Reference" arias); and a third amuses her with anecdotes, as if told to her by each of the three men (the "Anecdotes").
Tracklist
Episode One: Max
1-1 Odalisque, Character Reference 18:50
1-2 Anecdote With Chorale "No, Never, No" 24:28
Episode Two: Willard
1-3 Odalisque, Character Reference 20:17
2-1 Anecdote With Chorale "You've Got To Hold Me Tighter (Yeah)" 24:15
Episode Three: Bud
2-2 Odalisque, Character Reference 21:36
2-3 Anecdote With Chorale "Giving Love Away" 24:22
