Review

A group of friends and acquaintances gather for a cocktail party and start a vapid conversation.  Ultimately, it is revealed that this party from hell turns out to be literally from hell, and the party-goers are actually dead, engaging in a review of their trivial lives. Commissioned by Long Leaf Opera (NC), Review is Beck’s seventh opera.  The libretto is by Patricia Marx, based on a satire originally written by Ms. Marx for The New Yorker.  With seven principals (3 sop, mezzo, 2 ten, bari) and an optional SATB chorus, this comic work may be successfully performed with piano or with orchestra.

Review was one of three finalists in the 2010 National Opera Association’s New Chamber Opera Competition. Peabody Opera included it in its 2011-2012 season and it was also included in a program of scenes at the College Music Society’s 2011 annual convention in Richmond, VA. The video here shares a Halloween performance by Peabody Opera.

Review was previously included in the 2009 OPERA America and Houston Grand Opera New Works Sampler.  Following that successful showcase, Review was then produced by the Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston and later was given its New York premiere by the Center for Contemporary Opera in association with James Madison University. Review has since been produced across the country, with orchestra or piano alone. With a running time of 15 minutes, Review may be included in an evening of opera scenes or one-acts, provide an opening piece for a longer opera, or work as a contest entry.