Ça Ira
Roger Waters · 2005
246 min · 39 tracks · opera · progressive rock · psychedelic rock
A sweeping orchestral narrative that intertwines historical themes with operatic rock and poignant political commentary.
Why this album works
This album is noteworthy for its ambitious blend of rock, opera, and historical narrative, drawing inspiration from the French Revolution. It received attention for its critical exploration of power and freedom, although it didn't achieve mainstream commercial success comparable to Waters' earlier works. The operatic format was a marked departure from traditional rock albums, influencing how narrative could be interwoven with musical compositions.
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dramatic narrative arcs contemplative historical themes
- Context
- Ça Ira was released in 2005, marking Roger Waters' first opera after years of experimentation with rock and conceptual albums. This project followed his acclaimed work with Pink Floyd and subsequent solo endeavors, showcasing his desire to explore historical narratives through music. It reflects a significant turn in Waters' career as he ventured into the realm of classical storytelling combined with contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· David Gilmour· Captain Beefheart
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 The Gathering Storm 1:37
- 2 Overture 4:06
- 3 Act 1: Scene 1: A Garden in Vienna 1765 0:54
- 4 Act 1: Scene 1: Madame Antoine, Madame Antoine 2:53
- 5 Act 1: Scene 2: Kings, Sticks and Birds 2:40
- 6 Act 1: Scene 2: Honest Bird, Simple Bird 2:10
- 7 Act 1: Scene 2: I Want to Be King 2:37
- 8 Act 1: Scene 2: Let Us Break All the Shields 1:46
- 9 Act 1: Scene 3: The Grievances of the People 4:39
- 10 Act 1: Scene 4: France in Disarray 2:34
- 11 Act 1: Scene 4: To Laugh Is to Know How to Live 1:43
- 12 Act 1: Scene 4: Slavers, Landlords, Bigots at Your Door 3:36
- 13 Act 1: Scene 5: The Fall of the Bastille 1:34
- 14 Act 1: Scene 5: To Freeze in the Dead of Night 2:19
- 15 Act 1: Scene 5: So to the Streets in the Pouring Rain 4:17
- 16 Act 2: Scene 1: Dances and Marches 2:12
- 17 Act 2: Scene 1: Now Hear Ye! 2:17
- 18 Act 2: Scene 1: Flushed With Wine 4:32
- 19 Act 2: Scene 2: The Letter 1:37
- 20 Act 2: Scene 2: My Dear Cousin Bourbon of Spain 2:48
- 21 Act 2: Scene 2: The Ship of State Is All at Sea 1:47
- 22 Act 2: Scene 3: Silver, Sugar and Indigo 0:55
- 23 Act 2: Scene 3: To the Windward Isles 4:50
- 24 Act 2: Scene 4: The Papal Edict 1:17
- 25 Act 2: Scene 4: In Paris There’s a Rumble Under the Ground 6:21
Disc 2
- 1 Act 3: Scene 1: The Fugitive King 2:12
- 2 Act 3: Scene 1: But the Marquis of Boulli Has a Trump Card Up His Sleeve 4:27
- 3 Act 3: Scene 1: To Take Your Hat Off 2:40
- 4 Act 3: Scene 1: The Echoes Never Fade From That Fusillade 3:15
- 5 Act 3: Scene 2: The Commune de Paris 2:43
- 6 Act 3: Scene 2: Vive la Commune de Paris 3:15
- 7 Act 3: Scene 2: The National Assembly Is Confused 2:41
- 8 Act 3: Scene 3: The Execution of Louis Capet 1:39
- 9 Act 3: Scene 3: Adieu Louis for You It’s Over 3:45
- 10 Act 3: Scene 4: Marie Antoinette – The Last Night on Earth 1:36
- 11 Act 3: Scene 4: Adieu My Good and Tender Sister 5:10
- 12 Act 3: Scene 5: Liberty 2:50
- 13 Act 3: Scene 5: And in the Bushes Where They Survive 6:54
Disc 3
- 1 The Making of Ça Ira 2:14:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.
