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.
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act I Scene 1: Schon zu Ende, schon zu Ende! (Andreas, Mutter)Walter Braunfels, Robert Holl, Hanna Schwarz, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act I Scene 2: Geh' und sag' ihr, dass sie ihn nicht heiraten darf (Mara, Mutter)Walter Braunfels, Janina Baechle, Hanna Schwarz, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act I Scene 3: He, was erzahlst du mir da? (Andreas, Jakobaus, Mutter, Maids and Servants, Violaine, Mara)Walter Braunfels, Robert Holl, Adrian Eröd, Hanna Schwarz, Juliane Banse, Janina Baechle, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act II: O meine Braut im Blutenhag, sei mir gegrusst (Jakobaus, Violaine)Walter Braunfels, Adrian Eröd, Juliane Banse, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act III Scene 1: Fertig, der Konig kann kommen! (Sheriff of Rothenstein, First Worker, Peter's Assistant, Second Worker, Third Worker, First Woman, Mara, Second Woman, Chorus of Workers)Walter Braunfels, Wolfgang Klose, Johannes Stermann, Mauro Peter, Timo Janzen, Matthias Ettmayr, Jutta Bethsold, Janina Baechle, Sonja Philippin, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act III Scene 2: Wer ist's, der seine Schritte mit den Schritten der Aussatzigen zu vermengen wagt? (Violaine, Mara, Chorus of Angels, Crowd)Walter Braunfels, Juliane Banse, Janina Baechle, Vanessa Goikoetxea, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 1: Ich war es, ich habe sie umgebracht! (Mara)Walter Braunfels, Janina Baechle, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 2: Wie, offen? Ist das Haus leer, dass alle Turen offenstehen? (Andreas)Walter Braunfels, Robert Holl, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 3: Halloh, halloh! (Peter, Jakobaus)Walter Braunfels, Matthias Klink, Adrian Eröd, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 4: Wo bin ich, und wer ist hier? (Violaine, Jakobaus, Peter, Chorus, Andreas)Walter Braunfels, Juliane Banse, Adrian Eröd, Matthias Klink, Robert Holl, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
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