The Eldorado Suite

Available Now!
The romance of gold, the story of a passion that gripped the world... here, presented for the first time, is the 150-year tale of the hope, greed, despair, and determination from which was born and grew the Gold Discovery County of El Dorado. Click here to listen to samples of this exciting new work!

In original music penned by well-known Mother Lode composer and pianist John Trenalone, "The Eldorado Suite" tells a history that began on a cold January day in 1848, continues through decades of growth and development, and concludes at the brink of a new millenium.

In turns dynamic, poignant, foot-tapping, sensuous, and embracing, the melodious themes and variations of this new work call forth images of the excitement and anticipation that gripped the imagination and brought gold-seekers from every part of the world to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Conceived as a ballet, the beautiful original melodies evoke the imagery of veteran librettist Halmar Forrest and paint vivid pictures of the gold camps with their multi-national inhabitants, the lonely prospector and his hard labor, the hard-won success and the claim-jumper who threatens him, his despondency and homesickness, and his re-born enthusiasm when word of a new gold strike carries him over the next hill.

The Second Movement of the Suite introduces the agricultural development that followed the Gold Rush, and the civilizing and strengthening influence these family-oriented interests had on the area.

Growth of the county and its businesses are portrayed in the Third Movement. From the building of homes to the coming of the railroad, melodies and rhythms show first the eager enthusiasm of the early 1900s, then the shock of the Jazz Age, the impact of wars, the nostalgia for the old days, and finally the full-bodies embrace of contemporary life.

The Composer

A native son of the Mother Lode, born in San Andreas, and a 40-year resident of El Dorado County, composer JOHN TRENALONE began his musical education as an 8-year classical piano student. He continued his formal training with classes at the University of the Pacific while attending Stockton College. In a life devoted to music, Trenalone has encompassed both the classical and popular fields as teacher, performer, and composer. Well-known throughout the area of Sacramento and the western slope of the Sierras for his pianistic and vocal abilities, The Eldorado Suite at last brings to the foreground Trenalone's originality and virtuosity as a composer.

The Librettist

An avid California history aficionada, author and playwright HALMAR FORREST's libretto for the Eldorado Suite is based on a love affair with gold mining and the county's history during a 40-year residence. Author and editor of three volumes of material focusing on the golden history of El Dorado County, plus collaborating with Trenalone on other theatrical efforts, led to creating a storyline embracing highlights of the county's history to celebrate the Sesquicentennial.

Now You Can Own It!

Proudly offered by Spectragold Productions, "The Eldorado Suite" CD is now making its debut. Take advantage of your first opportunity to own this exciting piece of music!


	Listen To The Music!