Elliott Sharp: A Modicum Of Passion (The Opera) – Yellin String Quartet

A dark cabaret at the outer edges of avant-garde theater.
Written by acclaimed playwright Lauri Bortz with music composed by NYC downtown icon Elliott Sharp, this studio recording transforms Bortz’s dark, satire-laden theatrical vision into a gripping sonic narrative. Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical composition and avant-garde noise, Sharp approaches the operatic form as a visceral, living organism, fusing jagged chamber textures with a post-minimalist momentum. Bortz’s libretto serves up a searing exploration of human obsession, vanity, and emotional transactionalism. To bring this dark cabaret to life, Sharp assembled a legendary ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists from the outer margins of the American underground. Vocal powerhouse Eric Mingus delivers a performance of towering gravitas, anchoring the score alongside the fiery, multi-octave presence of avant-jazz vocalist Devorah Day. Adding further depth to the vocal tapestry are singular performances by Joan Wasser (later renowned as Joan As Police Woman) and noise-rock legend Ben Miller (of Destroy All Monsters), each bringing a distinct, unvarnished edge to their respective roles. The Yellin String Quartet weaves seamlessly around the singers, creating a dense, dramatic atmosphere that feels simultaneously claustrophobic and expansive. Item includes an 8 page insert with synopsis and a folded insert with artist biographies.