Description:

Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter was published in 1850. The novel, which depicts the contrition and dignity of Hester Prynne, who, during her husband's absence, falls in love with and has a daughter by Dimmesdale, the village minister, has inspired many people and was the subject of a 1995 film starring Demi Moore. Laitman has given the work a magnificent musical score that tenderly looks at each of the characters and their human development. The opera opens with a crowd surrounding Hester Prynne, who is accused of adultery. On her chest is the scarlet letter "A," signifying her guilt, and she holds her young daughter in her arms. Dimmesdale watches over her and her husband Roger, whose name remains unnamed. Recorded in 2016.