About this album

Sound: "A lush orchestral pop opera that intertwines theatrical narratives with Wainwright's signature emotive melodies."

Where they were

Released in 2015, 'Prima Donna' marked Rufus Wainwright's foray into the world of opera, showcasing a unique evolution from his previous pop and folk influences. This album followed his 2012 release 'Out of the Game', positioning Wainwright at a creative peak as he ventured into ambitious new territory.

Why it matters

'Prima Donna' is significant as it illustrates Wainwright's ability to blend classical and contemporary music, earning acclaim for its adventurous spirit. The album was received positively in critical circles, with notable mentions in publications like The Guardian, which praised its boldness and complexity.

Essential tracks

  • "Prima Donna: Overture" — The overture sets the stage for the entire opera, encapsulating the rich orchestral textures and thematic ambition that define the album.
  • "Dans mon pays de Picardie" — This track showcases Wainwright’s vocal prowess and dramatic flair, embodying the operatic style while maintaining an emotional core that resonates deeply.
  • "Et maintenant, Aliénor, à nous deux" — This powerful duet highlights the interplay between characters, making it a pivotal moment that captures the essence of drama within the opera.

Release Date

January 1, 2015

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Prima Donna: Overture 6:06
  2. 2 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 1: Oh! Madame Saint Laurent 3:01
  3. 3 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 2: J'ai rêvé toute la nuit 2:58
  4. 4 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 3: Merci. Asseyez-vous 1:37
  5. 5 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 4: Ah! Les soucis! 1:10
  6. 6 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 5: Aliénor, quelle femme merveilleuse 1:50
  7. 7 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 6: Mais non, Madame! 2:51
  8. 8 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 7: Mais que se passe-t-il donc 1:58
  9. 9 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 8: À l époque, François 2:15
  10. 10 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 9: Cet appartement 1:31
  11. 11 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 10: Mon dieu qu'il est laid! 2:05
  12. 12 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 11: À ton âge, François 2:41
  13. 13 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 12: Voici Le Journaliste! 2:24
  14. 14 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 13: Bonjour, Madame Saint Laurent 2:13
  15. 15 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 14: Quand j étais jeune étudiant 3:09
  16. 16 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 15: Madame Saint Laurent 1:15
  17. 17 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 16: La Première ... 2:31
  18. 18 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 17: Régine, quelle majesté 3:14
  19. 19 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 18: Abandonne, pose ta couronne 3:05
  20. 20 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 19: Charmant, tout à fait 2:10
  21. 21 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 20: Oh, ma voix! 0:58
  22. 22 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 21: Oh, ma douleur! 5:17
  23. 23 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 21: Revenez donc ce soir; Scene 22: Interlude 1:55
  24. 24 Prima Donna, Act I, Scene 23: The Kiss 1:15

Disc 2

  1. 1 Prima Donna: Overture 3:31
  2. 2 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 1: Dans mon pays de Picardie 5:04
  3. 3 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 2: Excuse-moi, Monsieur Philippe 4:09
  4. 4 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 3: Vocalises 2:53
  5. 5 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 4: Et maintenant, Aliénor, à nous deux 1:07
  6. 6 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 5: Quand j étais jeune étudiante 5:43
  7. 7 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 6: Dans ce jardin 9:53
  8. 8 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 7: Meditation 6:10
  9. 9 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 8: C'est impossible! 4:01
  10. 10 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 9: Maintenant, il est temps 3:30
  11. 11 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 10: Je suis heureuse 3:48
  12. 12 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 11: Prenez-le donc 6:10
  13. 13 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 12: Final Interlude 5:13
  14. 14 Prima Donna, Act II, Scene 13: Brief Fireworks Music (percussion) & Les feux d'artifice 6:55