Sean McCann - The Leopard (2025) [Hi-Res]

"The Leopard" is Sean McCann's first opera and first album since 2019, released on the Recital label. It is an ambitious, experimental work that blends drama, sound design, field recordings, and modern composition, considered one of the label's best releases. McCann spent five years creating the opera and assembled a team that includes composer Martin Bresnick, artist Nour Mobarak, Max Eilbacher, and voice actors David George and Krystel Abimeri for the dialogue. McCann handled all the music himself, editing samples, layering foley sounds and atmospheres, and using musical snippets, such as Barbara Strozzi's "Lagrime mie," as a crucial thematic anchor. The album's narrative is non-linear and mind-bending, with characters like The Leopard (Bresnick), the Mummy (George), and the chimerical Copy constantly shifting the themes and plot direction. Despite its progressive and dense nature, McCann's compositions are sufficiently textured and humorous to keep the listener engaged. The album is highly recommended for those who appreciate works like Henning Christiansen's "OP.176 PENTHESILEA," Robert Ashley's "Perfect Lives," or Philip Glass's "Einstein on the Beach."

Tracklist:
1-1 Sean McCann - Overture [5:57]
1-2 Sean McCann - Sailboat [11:16]
1-3 Sean McCann - Copy 1 [2:42]
1-4 Sean McCann - Cottage [7:13]
1-5 Sean McCann - Forest [6:56]
1-6 Sean McCann - Copy 2 [3:27]
1-7 Sean McCann - Tavern [12:41]
1-8 Sean McCann - Hotel [6:00]
1-9 Sean McCann - Copy 3 [3:49]
1-10 Sean McCann - Library [7:29]
1-11 Sean McCann - Restaurant [6:03]
1-12 Sean McCann - Copy 4 [3:01]
1-13 Sean McCann - Cemetery [8:39]
1-14 Sean McCann - Coda [4:41]