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Anthony Plog on MusicAuthor: Anthony Plog (host), Eddie Ludema (Producer)
Conversations with performers, composers, and entrepreneurs. Join Tony and some of the worlds great musicians in interviews that are fascinating, illuminating, and funny (well, most of the time). Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Music, Music Interviews, Performing Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Gene Scheer and Jake Heggie: Librettist and Composer, both Luminaries of Contemporary Opera on the Collaborative Nature of their Art
Episode 217
Friday, 11 April, 2025
In this conversation, we dive into the extraordinary creative partnership between two of the most celebrated figures in contemporary opera—librettist Gene Scheer and composer Jake Heggie. Together, Gene and Jake have brought to life some of the most powerful operatic works of our time, including Moby-Dick, Three Decembers, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Their collaboration is not only rooted in artistic brilliance but also in a deep, long-standing friendship.Individually, their accomplishments are equally impressive. Gene Scheer has worked with a range of renowned composers, including Jennifer Higdon on Cold Mountain and Tobias Picker on An American Tragedy. He’s also an accomplished composer in his own right—his song American Anthem was featured in Ken Burns’ Emmy Award-winning documentary on World War II.Jake Heggie’s groundbreaking first opera, Dead Man Walking, with a libretto by Terrence McNally, launched him into the spotlight. Since then, his work in art song and opera has made a lasting impact, earning him the title of Musical America’s 2025 Composer of the Year. So who better to explore the dynamic between a librettist and a composer? In this two-part conversation, we unpack what makes a successful collaboration and how words and music come together to create something truly unforgettable.Part One's conversation took place during a particularly exciting time—Moby-Dick was being performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Throughout our discussion, the opera serves as a touchstone for understanding the creative process. We begin with a fundamental question: how do they do it? Specifically, how do hard work and patience shape their creative journey?We get into the nuts and bolts of collaboration—how they challenge and inspire each other to reach new heights. Gene shares insights into the stages of researching and writing a libretto, including the story of how saving $100 unexpectedly launched his career. And in his own words, Gene describes his role simply and powerfully: “My job is to write a libretto that inspires music.”[Subscriber Content]: In Part Two, we step back and learn more about Gene’s early experiences—his time studying and singing in Vienna (including the month he saw 27 operas!). Jake opens up about the legendary Stephen Sondheim, a mentor and inspiration, and how Sweeney Todd changed his life. In fact, Jake dedicated Moby-Dick to Sondheim.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more! As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including: Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again. Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
