SKU: PR.411411640

ISBN 9781491137642. UPC: 680160691098. The Garden of the Finzi-Continis novel by Giorgio Bassani.

Based on Bassani’s 1962 novel, THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS dramatizes the true story of a prosperous Jewish family’s disruptions and consequences from state-mandated antisemitism in Italy during World War II. Gordon describes the opera as “romantic, sun-drenched, and cataclysmic, all at the same time.” This dramatically topical and personal grand opera premiered at New York City Opera and National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene to rave reviews in 2022. Chris Ruel wrote in OperaWire, “I have chosen Ricky Ian Gordon and Michael Korie’s THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS as my favorite opera of 2022.”.
At one point, in 2008, I was walking down 72nd Street, and I passed the video store, (this is when there were video stores) and I thought to myself, I wonder if Kevin (my partner) has ever seen The Garden of the Finzi-Continis? which was always one of my favorite movies. My reaction when we watched it that night was unlike any other time I had seen it. I was wrenched, sobbing, inconsolable. My heart felt like the autumn leaves we see blowing through the garden at the end of the movie. It seemed immediately that this had to be my next opera. I called Michael Korie, and we both bought the Bassani novel and read it. We settled on it. It felt clear that we both had a collective story to tell through it.Because this opera is so close to both of our hearts, it is dedicated to our fathers.It is not only that The Garden of the Finzi-Continis is a Holocaust story that makes it so resonant for me, though obviously this is no small matter, but the tragedy of people trying to live their lives, or actually living them, their petty disappointments, their heartbreaks, against the backdrop of total catastrophe… that makes it so moving. They cannot possibly imagine what will befall them, but we know… and this makes their every move fascinating and devastating… like watching moths under a glass. It is romantic, sun-drenched and cataclysmic, all at the same time.This is why I had to write it.

SKU: LP.765762160309

UPC: 765762160309.

Chris tmas Mosaic is a touching musical portrait of the very essence of Christmas the wonder of Christ's incarnation the mystery of His being expressed in song. These arrangements beautifully tie together recognizable music that spans generations (even centuries) and express the broad spectrum of moods we all feel at Christmas...a holy hush moments of quiet introspection jubilant praise and full-voiced celebration From the stately opening proclamation found in the Fanfare for the Messiah to the soaring melody of O Come O Come Emmanuel the audience is reminded of the dark days of anguish for ancient Israel which ended with birth of the Messiah. The work continues with the beautiful standard Come Thou Long-expected Jesus building into a celebratory choral proclamation followed by the soft refrains of Of the Father's Love Begotten . Culminating in a wonderful worship medley of Come Celebrate Jesus with Joy to the World this work is sure to become a congregational favorite. Masterfully arranged and orchestrated by Marty Parks this 40-minute Advent and Christmas presentation is perfect for the small or medium-sized choir! Additional songs featured include: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring; Emmanuel God with Us; How Great Our Joy! and many others. The format usefulness and flexibility provides you with several unique programming options for your use including: Choose to use the book as a collection for Sunday Worship during Advent and throughout the Christmas season. The songs may be used individually as you program a concert pageant or a Singing Christmas Tree. A Christmas Eve service is available that includes several choral settings So here it is--a mosaic of the sounds colors emotions and moods of Christmas tha any choir can present confidently.