Nico Muhly: Seeing Is Believing

Interspersed with Muhly's original compositions are three arrangements of vocal works by William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons. Early English choral music has always been an influence on Muhly's music, and these arrangements highlight this connection. Renowned composer John Rutter worked on this recording project and lent his expertise. In Muhly's music, Rutter hears that the composer is, "somebody from one century and one continent commenting on the work of somebody from a previous century and a previous continent. It's really the old world and the new world interacting in a very exciting way." Muhly has orchestrated Byrd's Miserere Mei, Deus and Bow Thine Ear, O Lord and Gibbons's This is the Record of John. The release of this album will coincide with the world-premiere of Muhly's new opera, Two Boys, at the English National Opera in London. Presented as a co-production with the Metropolitan Opera, the work features a libretto by Craig Lucas (Prelude to a Kiss and Reckless) and is directed by Tony® Award-winner Bartlett Sher. The opera is scheduled to be presented at the Met during the 2013-14 season.