Perfect Lives (An Opera for Television by Robert Ashley)
by Robert Ashley
- Type: Album
- Released: 26 October 1992
- Label: Lovely Music, Ltd.
- Country: United States
- Length: 2:54:08
- Community rating: 4.1/5 from 3 ratings
Album Notes & Community Reviews
Originally conceived as a groundbreaking video opera for television, this audio release captures the hypnotic brilliance of Ashley's distinctly American avant-garde storytelling. 'Perfect Lives' utilizes mesmerizing, rhythmic spoken-word monologues layered over intricate piano patterns and electronic lounge music orchestrations. The conceptual masterpiece dissects Midwestern folklore and bank robberies, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of contemporary interdisciplinary opera.
Genres
Descriptors: crime, avant-garde, operatic, spoken-word, electronic, long-form
Tracklist
- Perfect Lives: The Park (Privacy Rules) (24:30)
- Perfect Lives: The Supermarket (Famous People) (24:58)
- Perfect Lives: The Bank (Victimless Crime) (25:03)
- Perfect Lives: The Bar (Differences) (24:53)
- Perfect Lives: The Living Room (The Solutions) (25:08)
- Perfect Lives: The Church (After the Fact) (24:48)
- Perfect Lives: The Backyard (T'Be Continued) (24:45)
Credits
- Robert Ashley - primary artist, music by, lyrics by [libretto], written-by [for television], performer [created for television], performer [as "r" (the narrator)]
- "Blue" Gene Tyranny - primary artist, composed by [instrumental music beds composed in collaboration with], composed by [piano solos and electronic keyboard parts], performer [as buddy (the world's greatest piano player)], written-by [piano solos based on harmonic progressions by]
- Peter Gordon - primary artist, composed by [instrumental music beds composed in collaboration with]
- Mary Griffin - directed by [the kitchen center for video and dance (nyc), director]
- Jaqueline Humbert - other [costumes and make-up]
- Charlie Rizzuto - score editor
- Mary Perillo - video director [associate director]