been set to music, McNally gave the libretto to Heggie with the express instructions to use whatever portions of it he felt necessary, and to discard the rest. Recordings 2002 live recording:Susan Graham as Sister Helen, Frederica von Stade, as the murderer's mother, John Packard as the condemned man, conducted Patrick Summers. Taken from the world premiere run of performances. Erato/Warner Classics, 2-CD set, cat. no. 8573-86238 . 2010 live recording: Joyce DiDonato as Sister Helen, Houston Grand Opera also conducted Patrick Summers, 2-CD set was issued by Virgin Classics/EMI, in 2010, cat. no. 50999 6 02463 2 5 References External links Faires, Robert, "Arias From Death Row", The Austin Chronicle,'' 6 December 2002. Operas by Jake Heggie Libretti by Terrence McNally English-language operas Operas set in the United States Operas 2000 operas Operas based on real people Operas set in the 20th century Death in music Opera world premieres at San Francisco Opera