Mieczysław Weinberg witnessed the Holocaust firsthand. He survived,
though millions didn’t, including his family. His Symphony no. 21
“Kaddish” (Op. 152) is a deeply personal statement. Yet its
musical qualities are such that they make it a milestone in modern
repertoire.
Author: Anne Ozioro
Mieczys?aw Weinberg: Symphony no. 21 (“Kaddish”)
Symphonie fantastique and LÈlio United – F X Roth and Les SiËcles, Paris
Symphonie fantastique and LÈlio together, as they should be, with FranÁois-Xavier Roth and Les SiËcles livestreamed from the Philharmonie de Paris (link below). Though Symphonie fantastique is heard everywhere, all the time, it makes a difference when paired with LÈlio because this restores Berlioz’s original context.
Jean Sibelius: Kullervo
Why did Jean Sibelius suppress Kullervo (Op. 7, 1892)? There are many theories why he didn’t allow it to be heard after its initial performances, though he referred to it fondly in private. This new recording, from Hyperion with Thomas Dausgaard conducting the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, soloists Helena Juntunen and Benjamin Appl and the Lund Male Chorus, is a good new addition to the ever-growing awareness of Kullervo, on recording and in live performance.
Mahler: Titan, Eine Tondichtung in Symphonieform – FranÁois-Xavier Roth, Les SiËcles
Not the familiar version of Mahler’s Symphony no 1, but the “real” Mahler Titan at last, as it might have sounded in Mahler’s time! FranÁois-Xavier Roth and Les SiËcles present the symphony in its second version, based on the Hamburg/Weimar performances of 1893-94. This score is edited by Reinhold Kubik and Stephen E.Hefling for Universal Edition AG. Wien.
Matthias Goerne: Schumann – Liederkreis, op 24 & Kernerlieder
New from Harmonia Mundi, Matthias Goerne and Lief Ove Andsnes: Robert Schumann – Liederkreis, op 24 and Kernerlieder. Goerne and Andsnes have a partnership based on many years of working together, which makes this new release, originally recorded in late 2018, well worth hearing.
Ernst Krenek: Karl V, Bayerisches Staatsoper
Ernst Krenek’s Karl V op 73 at the Bayerisches Staatsoper, with Bo Skovhus, conducted by Erik Nielsen, in a performance that reveals the genius of Krenek’s masterpiece. Contemporary with Schreker’s Die Gezeichneten, Schoenberg’s Moses und Aron, Berg’s Lulu, and Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, Krenek’s Karl V is a metaphysical drama, exploring psychological territory with the possibilities opened by new musical form.
Down in flames: Les Troyens, OpÈra de Paris
Hector Berlioz’s Les Troyens with Philippe Jordan conducting the OpÈra National de Paris. Since Les Troyens headlined the inauguration of OpÈra Bastille 30 years ago, we might have expected something special of this new production. It should have been a triumph, with such a good conductor and some of the best singers in the business. But it wasn’t.
Luminous Mahler Symphony no.3: FranÁois-Xavier Roth, G¸rzenich-Orchester Kˆln
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.3 with FranÁois-Xavier Roth and the G¸rzenich-Orchester Kˆln, now at last on CD, released by Harmonia Mundi, after the highly acclaimed live performance streamed a few months ago.
Between Mendelssohn and Wagner: Max Bruch’s Die Loreley
Max Bruch Die Loreley recorded live in the Prinzregenstheater, Munich, in 2014, broadcast by BR Klassik and now released in a 3-CD set by CPO. Stefan Blunier conducts the M¸nchner Rundfunkorchester with Michaela Kaune, Magdalena Hinterdobler, Thomas Mohr and Jan-Hendrick Rootering heading the cast, with the Prager Philharmonischer Chor..
Britten: Hymn to St Cecilia – RIAS Kammerchor
Benjamin Britten Choral Songs from RIAS Kammerchor, from Harmonia mundi, in their first recording with new Chief Conductor Justin Doyle, featuring the Hymn to St. Cecilia, A Hymn to the Virgin, the Choral Dances from Gloriana, the Five Flower Songs op 47 and Ad majorem Dei gloriam op 17.