Beethoven: Egmont - Ah, perfido

Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with the album "Beethoven: Egmont - Ah, perfido." This captivating collection, released on Naxos in January 2010, offers a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces that span a variety of genres, including classical piano and chamber music.

The album features Beethoven's incidental music for Goethe's drama "Egmont," composed shortly after his iconic Fifth Symphony. This suite includes the stirring Overture, evocative entr'actes, and poignant vocal pieces such as "Die Trommel geruhret" and "Freudvoll und leidvoll," sung by the character Clarchen. The suite culminates in the triumphant "Symphony of Victory," a powerful conclusion to this dramatic score.

Complementing the "Egmont" suite are two marches, composed around the same time, and the concert aria "Ah! perfido," written a decade earlier. This aria, a setting of a passage from Metastasio's drama "Achille in Sciro," showcases Beethoven's ability to blend vocal and orchestral elements into a deeply expressive whole.

With a duration of just over 54 minutes, this album is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Beethoven's musical prowess. Whether you're a longtime admirer of classical music or a newcomer eager to explore the works of one of history's most influential composers, this album offers a rewarding listening experience.