Extraordinary

for Soprano, Baritone and Piano 

Written: 2020
Duration: ca. 9’
Instrumentation: soprano, baritone and piano
Libretto by David Cote
Commissioned by American Modern Ensemble with funding from the Doctorow Family Foundation
Word Premiere (Chamber Version): American Modern Ensemble, Marnie Breckenridge, soprano, Jorell Williams, baritone, The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, Mary Flagler Cary Hall, New York, NY, October 27, 2021
World Premiere (Piano/vocal Version): American Modern Ensemble, Marnie Breckenridge, soprano, Jorell Williams, baritone, Caffè Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY, October 29, 2021
PublisherBill Holab Music

View Piano/vocal Score | Available as a companion piece with In Real Life I or In Real Life II

Extraordinary is available as a version for soprano, baritone, and chamber ensemble, and may be performed as a stand-alone piece or as a companion piece with In Real Life and/or In Real Life II.

PROGRAM NOTE

After two cycles of longing, loss, and glimmers of hope, Robert and I knew our singers had to meet. We wrote this scene/duet to cap In Real Life and In Real Life II, for a man and a woman who connect online and decide, during a rather complicated time, to go on a date. Extraordinary was commissioned by American Modern Ensemble with funding from the Doctorow Family Foundation.

Program note © 2020 David Cote. Reprinted with permission.

Press Quotes

In Real Life explores online dating with much comedy in a very theatrical setting... the songs here portray five women and five men filling out their dating-site profiles, sets it to music, and essentially illuminates all the humor, romance and forthrightness that comes with searching for a mate in a charming, operatic demeanor... weaves in and out of tense, tuneful and twinkling moments.
— Take Effect Reviews
[In Real Life is] like a chamber musical. You can see why this composing duo writes operas together... Paterson takes Cote’s texts and bakes into the words a new and often surprising energy... bundled with wit and a good sense of humor.
— Austin American-Statesman
Paterson’s musical settings are very much in the spirit of a first-rate contemporary Broadway score. They are melodic, accessible, and gratifyingly sensitive to the narrative’s ebb and flow. [The In Real Life Album] is a human and touching exploration of the eternal search for companionship and love.
— Fanfare Magazine
Patterson’s [sic] score is breezy, cinematic and quirky... he perfectly captures the uncertainty of the situation with hesitant yet inquisitive instrumental gestures. it’s a welcome alternative to the depressing Covid compositions already emerging in the repertoire.
— Opera News
Such charm and humor in these [In Real Life] songs... just delightful!
— Juliana Hall, Composer