John Knowles Paine Born: 9 January 1839, Portland, Maine Died: 25 April 1906, Cambridge, MA

(U.S. Opera Home Page)

• Azara, libretto by the composer (comp. 1898; concert perf. 1903 with piano accompanaiment; concert perf. 1907 with full orchestra, St. Cecilia Society, Boston; never fully staged)

While he was an influential figure in American music in general, Paine only wrote one opera, the title of which various sources give as either Azora or Azra; it has never been fully staged, although it has been said that a performance planned at the Met was cancelled due to the inability to find singers for the major roles who could sing in English. Paine had a considerable impact on musical development in his time, as a composer, as an educator, and as the founder of the Harvard music department.

St. Peter (Oratorio) Boston Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra/Schuller 1994. Compact disc: Gm Recordings 2027.