Chicago's Ravinia Festival recently gave a première performance of the little match girl passion by David Lang, and now, the fest will present the midwest première of another passion setting on a much larger scale--John Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary, on September 7.
The term "passion" implies a very specific story, a re-telling of Jesus Christ's suffering and death on the cross. John Adams' oratorio is the latest in a series of modern re-imaginings of this ancient story, proving that this tragic tale still speaks to modern artists.
For instance, the little match girl passion told a story in which the suffering of Christ can be seen in the suffering of the innocent match girl. Mel Gibson gave his kind of cinematic treatment in the 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ. And Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1970 rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, was shown from Judas' point of view.
Adams chooses to tell this story of suffering and death through the eyes of Mary Magdalene, the "other Mary" of the Bible--a sinful woman whose life was transformed the day she met Jesus. The tale is also told by several other characters, including Mary's sister Martha.
Two singers portray these sisters: Mary, the one who lives in the moment, dropping everything to go sit at Jesus' feet; and Martha, the sister always left holding the bag, who makes sure the guests are served and the dishes are washed.
Who do you identify with, Mary or Martha? Most people can empathize with one or the other of these sisters, making their perspectives a way to humanize the tragic nature of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Librettist Peter Sellars mixed the Biblical tropes of Mary and Martha with medieval and modern takes on the oppression of women and the poor. The singers are called upon to act out the words they sing, using gestures and choreography to paint a more vivid picture.
This video shows scenes from the oratorio as performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, interspersed with commentary by the composer.
With the Chicago Symphony Orchestra still on summer break, this Ravinia performance will feature the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Grant Gershon.
The Gospel According to the Other Mary was first performed last December by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Master Chorale and six solo singers; Saturday evening's reboot at 7:30 p.m. will include the same chorale and singers that premièred Adam's grand oratorio.
Again, the Ravinia Festival is located in Highland Park, Ill., just north of Chicago.
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