eL/Aficionado
"Because of its non-narrative abstractness, I found this the least gripping opera of Ashleys tetralogy Now Eleanors Idea on stage, but its seductive on disc, partly thanks to Tom Hamiltons elegant sound design, which is making Ashleys recordings the envy of Downtown. The deceptively calm air of menace thats been key in Ashleys output since Purposeful Lady Slow Afternoon climaxes in this extended adagio waltz about espionage in which the Agent, Thomas Bucknerthe perfect baritone in the perfect roleis tasked to describe people he sees in personals-ad language. Enveloped in warm synthesized tones, Buckners earnest vulnerability contrasts with the whispered, sinister omniscience of his questioners (Ashley, Sam Ashley and Jacqueline Humbert). The multilinear text needs many listenings, but Ashley aficionados will pick up sly references to his other operas right off." Gann, Consumer Guide, The Village Voice, August 1, 1995.