Orfeo

De: Richard Powers

Narrado por: Christopher Hurt

In Orfeo, Powers tells the story of a man journeying into his past as he desperately flees the present. Composer Peter Els opens the door one evening to find the police on his doorstep. His home microbiology lab - the latest experiment in his lifelong attempt to find music in surprising patterns - has aroused the suspicions of Homeland Security. Panicked by the raid, Els turns fugitive. As an Internet-fueled hysteria erupts, Els - the "Bioterrorist Bach" - pays a final visit to the people he loves, those who shaped his musical journey. Through the help of his ex-wife, his daughter, and his longtime collaborator, Els hatches a plan to turn this disastrous collision with the security state into a work of art that will reawaken its audience to the sounds all around them.

©2014 Richard Powers (P)2014 Recorded Books

Narrative flow not best for audio

Somewhat different than I expected. A little disconnected for an audio book. Clever juxtaposition of music genetics and aging. Well narrated.

Surprising Richard Powers

the story had themes of the power of music, disconnection, aging, curiosity, creation and art. the characters were fresh and knowable, even the outrageous ones.

Music in Print

Orpheus plot line is a little stretched, but the re-telling of the story of Messiaen in WWII alone is worth the price of admission here. Other sections on music are equally insightful and evocative. Few if any written works have moved me more as an adult to delve into listening to multiple great works of music.

Powers Delivers again

To me it started off a bit slow but crescendoed into a spectacular masterpiece. Richard Powers is the most cerebral author out there. His books always make you look at the world and the human species in a different way while challenging your intellect and narrating a gripping plot.

Wonder Meditation on the Power of Music and Prose

Richard Powers is a wonder and a joy to take in. Makes me want to go out and read more of his ....