Feeney: Dracula

I first heard this music when I attended the Milwaukee Ballet/Milwaukee Symphony performance with choreography by Michael Pink, who is the Artistic Director of the Milwaukee Ballet. Pink and Feeney collaborated on this work which was first presented for England's Northern Ballet Theatre. Seeing this ballet and hearing the music on Halloween was an extra bonus. The music and choreography are inseparable, and my enjoyment of this music and CD is perhaps colored by seeing again the scenes and dance as I listen to the music. By all means, buy the CD. Then, make every effort to see the Pink's ballet.

This is terribly good album, wonderful music very much true to the story. If you like this then I suggest you fly to the next ballet company performing it, or better yet... Do that first because then you will truly be able to appreciate how really good this is. It was composed at the same time as the ballet was choreographed and sets and costumes were created. It is one of the most seamlessly created ballets, and certainly the best of the Draculas. Trust me on this, I've seen the Mark Godden production and that was 3 hours I'll never get back of unconnected, uninspired, nonsense. This, on the other hand manages tell the story in a concise way that keeps everything important and does not leave you confused. A Masterpiece.

Feeney's Dracula is one of my favorite pieces of contemporary classical music. The style of the composition is romantic and the performance is both lush and beautifully recorded. Feeney's Dracula is not for the faint of heart, since parts of the work are disturbing and, for some, even frightening. But it captures the spirit of its literary source beautifully. Highest recommendation.