Braunfels: Verkündigung

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Walter Braunfels' "Verkündigung," a profound and rarely performed Christmas mystery play that showcases the composer's mastery during the Weimar Republic era. This live recording, released by BR-Klassik in 2014, offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Braunfels' chamber music, spanning over two hours and thirteen minutes across twelve tracks.

"Verkündigung, Op. 50" is a multi-act opera that weaves a compelling narrative through its intricate score and powerful vocals. The album begins with a stirring overture and progresses through a series of dramatic scenes, each bringing to life the characters and their struggles. From the hauntingly beautiful "O meine Braut im Blutenhag, sei mir gegrusst" to the intense "Ich war es, ich habe sie umgebracht!" the opera is a testament to Braunfels' ability to evoke deep emotions and create a vivid musical landscape.

Conducted by Ulf Schirmer and featuring a stellar cast, including Juliane Banse as Violaine, this recording captures the essence of Braunfels' compositional genius. The album is a must-listen for fans of classical music, particularly those interested in the works of the Schreker-Zemlinsky-Generation. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to the genre, "Verkündigung" promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.

7 oktober 2014

2014 BR-Klassik

About Walter Braunfels

Walter Braunfels, born in Frankfurt in 1882, was a pivotal figure in German music, renowned for his contributions as a composer, pianist, and music educator. Hailing from a musically inclined family, Braunfels' early education was nurtured by his mother, a great-niece of the celebrated composer Louis Spohr. His formal training began with piano studies under James Kwast at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, followed by composition lessons with Ludwig Thuille in Munich. Braunfels' career flourished between the two world wars, during which he was one of the most frequently performed opera composers of his time. His notable works include the opera "The Birds," based on Aristophanes' comedy, and a rich repertoire of orchestral, chamber, and piano pieces. Despite facing adversity during the Nazi era, when his music was banned and he was labeled a "half-Jew," Braunfels' legacy endures. He also served as the founding director of the Cologne Academy of Music until 1933. His compositions, steeped in the German Classical-Romantic tradition, continue to captivate audiences with their depth and emotional resonance.