Album Review: Nico Muhly - Two Boys

This recording of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Two Boys documents Muhly’s first attempt to create a uniquely 21st century opera. It’s a cautionary tale, based on a true story, about the perils of online fantasy chats with strangers. Craig Lucas’ libretto progresses the plot slowly and tediously as Muhly tries his best to provide a tastefully minimal score that references influences like Adams, Glass and even Britten. On occasion Muhly is able to achieve wondrous choral textures that suggest the multitude of voices creating this chat babble that flickers in our eyes.