In the dark of predawn morning in a bitterly cold November in 1637, Anne Hutchinson, then pregnant with what would have been her 15th child, set out on foot with her beloved family to traverse the treacherously frozen five miles to the Great and General Court of Massachusetts to stand trial for the slandering of ministers and therefore having “troubled the peace of the commonwealth and churches.” John Winthrop, who had recently been elected governor in a clever political coup overthrowing supporters of ideals similar to Hutchinson’s, presided over the trial. In the unheated courtroom, the ominous and thick black cloaks of each Puritan are silhouetted against the rough-hewn timbers of the crude courthouse. This fictional operatic account of this story is filled with communal singing from sources such as the Bay Psalm Book, quotes from the meticulously documented trial, and disparate primary sources– from famous works of embroidery to bawdy rhyme. John Winthrop, his wife Margaret, and Anne Hutchinson struggle to find meaning and alongside Anne's young protégé Mary and her lover Tom, who hope to escape to the promise of a life outside of Boston's political and religious strife. Communal order, free-wheeling expression, and female oppression mete out consequences every bit as dire as those feared from God's providence. |
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John & Abigail Adams Songs (excerpts) | (Sop, Bar, + Str Quartet)
These songs were premiered at the 250th wedding anniversary of John and Abigail Adams at their historic home in Quincy. The texts are excerpted from their amazing correspondence during the seventeen total years they spent apart in service to their country.
These songs were premiered at the 250th wedding anniversary of John and Abigail Adams at their historic home in Quincy. The texts are excerpted from their amazing correspondence during the seventeen total years they spent apart in service to their country.
| 5. The Spring advances | 6. Should I draw you the picture of my Heart |
Bradstreet Songs (excerpt) | (Sop + Vc)
Anne Bradstreet was a contemporary of Anne Hutchinson and America's first published poet. These songs have been widely performed and will likely make an appearance in the completed Hutchinson opera.
Anne Bradstreet was a contemporary of Anne Hutchinson and America's first published poet. These songs have been widely performed and will likely make an appearance in the completed Hutchinson opera.
| 3. To My Dear and Loving Husband |
Four Romantic Songs (excerpt) | (Sop + Pno)
Just another sample of vocal writing from the CD NEW VOICES released by the Brooklyn Art Song Society.
Just another sample of vocal writing from the CD NEW VOICES released by the Brooklyn Art Song Society.
| Four Romantic Songs (Perusal) |
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Just a little off Boston Common stands a historic building on the foundations of Anne and William Hutchinson's house. Formerly the Old Corner Bookstore, before that it was home to Ticknor & Fields, arguably the most important publisher of early American literature, and Hawthorne's publisher, who channels Anne Hutchinson time and again in his masterwork, The Scarlet Letter.
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