The Lost Opera

Jared wakes up in Boston with a pounding headache and some serious regret after a night of overindulgence. He’s got a Greyhound ticket to Blackwater for later tonight, but first, he’s taking us on a historical deep dive into the North End—Boston’s oldest neighborhood.

Jared has finally made it to Boston, the first stop on his way to Blackwater, Massachusetts for his long-awaited field research. After some diplomatic efforts to ease Lily’s nerves about the trip, Jared is off to explore the city’s rich history—though it seems like his enthusiasm might be running a little high, as he indulges in a few too many pints of Samuel Adams and shots with the bartender.

Jared’s dissertation outline has been approved, and so has his research funding! After some tense moments, it looks like things are moving forward with his project—at least academically. The funding will allow him to travel to Blackwater, Massachusetts for more field research, but not without some personal hurdles. Meanwhile, his attempt to get in touch with Emily Jenkins, Dahlia Fleming’s grandda...

Jared gives an update on his genealogical investigation into Dahlia Fleming, following up on his request for next-of-kin information. After a long wait, Jared receives a response from Emily Jenkins, Fleming’s 54-year-old granddaughter. But things take an unexpected turn as Emily's response hints at a potential financial transaction rather than a simple interview.

Jared takes a step back from his intense research into Mortuus Messis to reflect on his academic journey and the challenges he faces with his dissertation project. After submitting his dissertation outline and bibliography to his committee, Jared contemplates the difficulties of pursuing a niche topic like opera folklore in the remote academic environment of Newfoundland. He shares personal insigh...

Jared’s research into Mortuus Messis continues to take unexpected turns as he reflects on his genealogical request for Temara Corelli and Dahlia Fleming, which has yet to yield results, and his growing frustration with the research process. He also shares a surprising discovery about Dahlia Fleming’s musical background, revealing that she was not only an opera singer but also deeply involved in Ar...

Jared reveals that his research into Mortuus Messis has taken a decidedly unorthodox turn. Frustrated by his lack of progress in the archives and feeling the pressure of his looming deadlines, Jared decides to take a risky step: he files a genealogical “next of kin” request for the two mysterious opera divas, Temara Corelli and Dahlia Fleming.

Jared dives deeper into the haunting mysteries surrounding the 1916 opera Mortuus Messis, focusing on the lead opera singers—Temara Corelli and Dahlia Fleming—and the bizarre events that transpired during its ill-fated performance. Jared's investigation leads him to some fascinating and strange discoveries. He uncovers the identities of the two lead divas—Temara, a relatively unknown soprano, and...

Jared reflects on the growing frustration he feels with his research process, as his search for answers takes an unexpected turn. While academic archives and documents from reputable sources like the American Opera Society have proven useful, Jared begins to question if true progress can be made from the comfort of his desk. He begins to consider the possibility of field research—a risky yet excit...

Jared delves into the eerie world of the ‘Haunted Opera’ trope, a chilling and captivating theme that blends the supernatural with the opulent and dramatic setting of opera houses. Drawing on folkloric traditions, Jared explores the haunting stories that swirl around opera houses and theaters, investigating how these eerie tales interweave the emotional intensity of opera with ghostly legends of l...

Jared Eastwood explores themes and motives of Ustman's other operas. There were four of them not counting "Mortuus Messis", each revealing fascinating aspects of the composer's unorthodox artistic vision. From his first successful opera to his experiments with spatial illusions and abstract themes, discover how Ustman’s unique approach to opera set him apart in the theatrical world.

In this episode, Jared Eastwood continues his research on the enigmatic composer Berthram Ustman. Dive into the world of Ustman, a musical innovator whose eccentric personality and metaphysical beliefs heavily influenced his work. From pioneering dissonant musical languages to embracing the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, Ustman's life and creations are nothing short of fascinating. Jared Eastwood - A...

In this tape, host Jared Eastwood interviews Professor Ernest Lowe, an expert in 20th-century public venue architecture from the University of Great Lakes, Massachusetts. The focus of the conversation is on the architecture of the Blackwater Opera Theater, its unique design, and the perceived otherworldly qualities attributed to it. Professor Lowe provides insights into the architectural marvel th...

Podcast Show Notes: Tape #2 - Interview with Professor Olga Cortez In this intriguing podcast episode, host Jared Eastwood conducts an interview with Professor Olga Cortez, an opera historian from the University of Santa Clara Del Mar, California. The focus of the conversation is the elusive and mysterious opera, "Mortuus Messis," and the puzzling circumstances surrounding its premiere. The interv...

In this introductory episode, Jared Eastwood introduces the enigmatic story surrounding the lost opera "Mortuus Messis" and its mysterious premiere in 1916 at the Blackwater Opera House in Blackwater, Massachusetts. The narrative is based on an intriguing tape recording from June 16th, 1992, where Jared Eastwood, a PhD candidate in Folklore Studies at Whitestone University, Newfoundland, provides...