In an insightful interview, Andrew Clements discusses Nimbus Records’ ongoing commitment to documenting George Benjamin’s musical contributions. Since its inception, the label has cataloged nearly all of Benjamin’s major works, and now it has released his fourth opera, featuring a libretto by Martin Crimp. This production, which first premiered at the Aix-en-Provence festival last July, captures the essence of the opera where it was originally performed, under the composer’s own baton.
As the production of “Picture a Day Like This” transitioned to Covent Garden’s Linbury Theatre two months later, Clements points out that the cast changed, and Benjamin stepped down as conductor, making this recording with the original Aix ensemble particularly valuable. Leading the cast is Marianne Crebassa, who portrays the Woman on a desperate quest for a miracle to restore her child to life. She has just one day to find someone who is genuinely happy. Meanwhile, Anna Prohaska plays Zabelle, the gardener who offers not so much a miracle as a path for the Woman to confront her grief.
Clements praises both Crebassa and Prohaska for their ability to fully embody their roles. From the very beginning, with her unaccompanied recitative, Crebassa blends determination with a nuanced vulnerability as she embarks on her challenging journey. Prohaska, on the other hand, conveys that Zabelle’s transition to acceptance has been fraught with its own difficulties, hidden beneath her calm exterior.
The supporting cast also shines, with Beate Mordal and Cameron Shahbazi playing a pair of lovers, along with a composer and her assistant. John Brancy takes on roles including a collector and an artisan, with each actor delivering impressive performances.
Clements notes that the fairytale-like ambiguity of “Picture a Day Like This” bears more resemblance to Benjamin and Crimp’s initial collaboration, “Into the Little Hill,” than it does to the more intense tragedies of “Written on Skin” and “Lessons in Love and Violence.” Throughout, Benjamin’s skillful orchestration stands out, showcasing an exquisite range of colors and textures, paired with vocal lines that respect the integrity of the text. While there are moments where the pacing could be improved and the opera’s basic premise feels somewhat mechanical, the overall jewel-like precision remains undeniably striking.
For fans eager to experience this latest work, the recording is available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
