Jaren Hinckley

(b. 1961)

Heggie is best known for his opera “Dead Man Walking” (based on the book of the same name).  However, since we are now in the month of December, I chose to listen to Heggie’s chamber opera “3 Decembers.”  As you may have guessed by now, the theme of the month is “music about December.”

TITLE: 3 Decembers

The opera (in a nutshell) is about a dysfunctional family (spoiler alert!)—the mother, a famous actress, and her two adult children with various tribulations and a highly idealized view of their father who died when they were young. If you do not enjoy theatrical productions that deal with topics such as suicide, alcoholism, and AIDS (the adult son has a partner who is dying), this may not be the show for you.  However, if you can look past the sad themes, you may just find some themes that resonate with you. I found the final scene particularly poignant as the mother (from beyond the grave) recognizes her shortcomings and validates her childrens’ feelings. I also found it quite realistic in the way parents think they’re doing (or did) the right things for their children and how adult children often disagree with the decisions their parents made (whether right or wrong).

Heggie’s musical style is quite lovely.  He has a way with lovely melodies and harmonies. I’m a fan.  Here’s the prelude to the opera; you’ll hear that it has a jauntiness that is reminiscent of musical theatre:

HIGHLIGHT: For me, the highlight of this opera is the lullaby the father used to sing the children when they were young.  Whether this is a false memory or part of their idealized view of their father is immaterial—this is beautiful music.  Here’s the first part, sung by the mother, with the text below so you can follow along:

The moon sings a song for you every night,
Which you only can hear when your eyes are shut tight.
Can you hear it? Note by note it grows clear.
Carried by moonbeams right to your heart.
Hush now. Listen. It appears.
No troubles. No fears.
The moon smiles above you, and Daddy is near.

And here’s another verse a few minutes later in the opera, sung by all three main characters (again, text below):

Let it go. Let the day fade softly into the mist.
The moon’s lullaby no dream can resist.
Let it take you away.
Moonbeams are heartstrings the night gently strums.
Hush now. Listen. Here it comes.
No worries.No troubles. No more fears.
The moon smiles above you, and Daddy is near.

If you like what you hear, I would definitely recommend seeking this out.  This particular recording is available through naxos.com or amazon.com and features the marvelous Frederica von Stade as the mother.  There are also a few excerpts on YouTube worth a listen.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDLNFYbAqCQ

WHAT’S LEFT TO LISTEN TO BY HEGGIE?: a few more operas, a LOT of vocal music, and some chamber music. Since I am a clarinetist, I was sad to see that he hadn’t written any solo music for my instrument.  Perhaps I’ll have to commission something by him someday!  He’s a great composer and I will definitely be seeking out and listening to more music by him.