Craig Armstrong & The Orchestra Of Scottish Opera - The Lady From The Sea (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

“(Armstrong) has devised a score that is intoxicating in the images it amplifies – a dense minimalist soundscape…”

Ellida, the daughter of a lighthouse-keeper, lives a narrow life with a husband several years her senior. Full of longing for the sea and for a freedom she does not have, she is shaken from her lethargy when the unexpected arrival of a mysterious stranger creates a storm that threatens to submerge the whole family. He offers an escape from the stifling world she inhabits, and Ellida must decide whether to do her duty or answer the call of the sea…

This re-telling of Ibsen’s darkly beautiful drama written in 1888, unites Craig Armstrong and award-winning author Zoë Strachan. The libretto captures the intoxicating and stifling atmosphere of the original play. Whilst Armstrong’s score amplifies the densely felt landscape, clearly transporting the listener alongside Ellida’s feelings of entrapment and overwhelm. This darkly beautiful opera captures Ibsen’s haunting love story, garnering The Herald Angel Award after its premiere at Edinburgh International Festival.

Though both Armstrong and Strachan have produced work for the experimental Scottish Opera program, Five:15 – Operas Made in Scotland, this is the first time they have worked together. The Lady From The Sea was conducted by Derek Clark. It is written for chamber orchestra and eight voices. The original stage production of the opera in 2012, was directed by Harry Fehr, stage design by Yannis Thavoris and featured film by the video designer Finn Ross.

Tracklist
01. The Lady From The Sea: Fjord 1
02. The Lady From The Sea: The Game
03. The Lady From The Sea: Midsummer
04. The Lady From The Sea: Father
05. The Lady From The Sea: My First Wife's Birthday
06. The Lady From The Sea: Here’s Our Mermaid Now
07. The Lady From The Sea: Still The Same Ellida
08. The Lady From The Sea: May I Take The Liberty
09. The Lady From The Sea: Fjord 2
10. The Lady From The Sea: It's Too Hot
11. The Lady From The Sea: Free At Last
12. The Lady From The Sea: Look At Them
13. The Lady From The Sea: Isn't It Pretty Here
14. The Lady From The Sea: Salt In The Air
15. The Lady From The Sea: The Captain
16. The Lady From The Sea: The Ship (He Returns)
17. The Lady From The Sea: Ellida (The Heat Remains)
18. The Lady From The Sea: We Made An Oath
19. The Lady From The Sea: Fjord 3
20. The Lady From The Sea: Hilde's Such A Mischief Maker
21. The Lady From The Sea: Still Light
22. The Lady From The Sea: Not Long Now
23. The Lady From The Sea: See You At The Fjord
24. The Lady From The Sea: Can't She See What I Long For
25. The Lady From The Sea: The Ship
26. The Lady From The Sea: Midnight
27. The Lady From The Sea: Night Falls
28. The Lady From The Sea: I Know You
29. The Lady From The Sea: Ellida You Are Mine
30. The Lady From The Sea: Stillness