Dive into the rich historical narrative of "Ekkehard," a monumental opera by the esteemed composer Johann Joseph Abert. Originally premiered in 1878, this captivating work is now available in its entirety, offering a profound exploration of medieval German history and culture. The album spans over two hours, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of Abert's masterful composition.
"Ekkehard" is a five-act opera that delves into the life of Ekkehard, a historical figure whose story is interwoven with themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The opera features a diverse cast of characters, each brought to life through Abert's intricate and evocative score. From the serene beauty of "Herbstsonne leuchtet mit mildem Schein" to the dramatic intensity of "Entsetzliches Gesicht, mein Herz erbebt," the album showcases the composer's versatility and depth.
The album, released on January 1, 2000, by the renowned label Capriccio, is a testament to Abert's enduring legacy. Born into humble circumstances, Abert's journey from obscurity to recognition as a leading composer of his time is reflected in the opera's powerful narrative and musical complexity. The album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full scope of Abert's artistic vision.
With its rich orchestration and compelling storytelling, "Ekkehard" is a standout work in the canon of classical opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a curious newcomer, this album promises a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
2000 Capriccio2000 Capriccio
Tracks
Ekkehard: PreludeJohann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act I: Herbstsonne leuchtet mit mildem Schein (Chorus, Rudimann, Forest Woman, Waltzmann)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act I: Da waren wir, dem Zwang entronnen (Praxedis, Hadwig)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act I: Geprobt und gesegnet sind Reben und Wein (Rudimann, Ekkehard, Hadwig)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act I: Haha, mit eigenen Augen nun schaut (Forest Woman, Waltzmann, Rudimann, Chorus, Ekkehard, Hadwig, Praxedis, Montfort)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act I: O edle Frau, ubt Gnade aus (Waltzmann, Hadwig, Ekkehard, Chorus, Montfort, Praxedis, Spazzo)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act II: Da sass die Konigin vor der Juno Tempel (Ekkehard, Hadwig, Praxedis, Forest Woman, Montfort, Spazzo)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act II: Klar ist es nun, ja, ich bin verschmaht! (Montfort, Forest Woman)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act II: Die Gotter, die uns teuer (Chorus, Forest Woman, Montfort)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act II: Wir ziehen zum heiligen Tanz (Chorus, Forest Woman, Ekkerhard)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act III: Mit schonster Blumenfulle (Chorus)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act III: Der Gedanken Sturm zu bannen (Ekkehard)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act III: O Herr uber Leben und Tod (Hadwig)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act III: Hadwig! - Wer stort mich? (Ekkehard, Hadwig, Waltzmann, Chorus, Praxedis, Montfort, Spazzo)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act IV: Wir sind zur Stelle (Montfort, Forest Woman)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act IV: Rings tiefe Stille, alles ruht (Praxedis, Ekkehard)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act IV: Ha welch ein Strahl ward plotzlich dort entfacht! (Ekkehard, Montfort, Waltzmann, Chorus, Spazzo, Hadwig)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act V: Hier pflanzt das Banner Schwabens auf! (Hadwig, Forest Woman)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act V: Welch heller Klang zerreisst den truben Wahn (Hadwig, Chorus)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Ekkehard: Act V: Entsetzliches Gesicht, mein Herz erbebt (Hadwig, Chorus, Forest Woman, Ekkehard, Praxedis)Johann Joseph Abert, Nyla van Ingen, Susanne Kelling, Henryk Bohm, Jorg Hempel, Alfred Reiter, Christian Gerhaher, Jonas Kaufmann, Mihoko Fujimura, Stuttgarter Choristen, South West German Radio Kaiserslautern Orchestra, Peter Falk
Johann Joseph Abert (1832-1915) was a German composer born in the Sudetenland region of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, where he is also known as Jan Josef Abert. Abert's musical journey began at the Prague Conservatory, where he studied the double bass from 1848 to 1852. His professional career took him to Stuttgart, where he spent the majority of his life composing and performing. Abert's works often draw from historical and cultural themes, as seen in his opera "Ekkehard," which weaves a tale of a lovesick monk against the backdrop of medieval conflicts. His compositions also include notable pieces for the double bass, reflecting his deep connection to the instrument. Abert's music offers a rich blend of German and Czech influences, making his works a captivating exploration of European classical music.