Emily D’Angelo dominates "Grounded". Jeanine Tesori wrote the opera with the mezzo-soprano in mind. The opera is incredibly potent, but it’s impossible to imagine “Grounded” without D’Angelo in the role of fighter pilot and drone operator Jess.
Five months after watching a broadcast of “Grounded” on PBS, D’Angelo’s star turn still has me reeling. The live recording of “Grounded” released by Deutsche Gramophon on August 22 offers a much different experience. Severed from D’Angelo’s magnetism and the dazzling stage production, the compositional strength of the opera is more apparent.
And in a significant development for proponents of all things Kansas City, local product Ben Bliss shines as Jess’ romantic partner Eric. He soars in arias including "I Didn't See You Coming". Moreover, I didn’t see the monumental performances of D’Angelo and Bliss coming.