Dive into the epic historical narrative of Max Bruch's "Arminius," a choral masterpiece that brings to life the legendary figure of Arminius, the Germanic chieftain who famously defeated the Roman legions. This oratorio, composed by the renowned Max Bruch, is a powerful blend of dramatic recitatives, stirring choruses, and evocative arias that transport listeners to the heart of ancient battles and sacred rituals.
Recorded and released on August 25, 2009, by the esteemed label CPO, this album captures the grandeur and intensity of Bruch's composition. The performance is led by the talented conductor Hermann Max, with a stellar cast featuring Ursula Eittinger, Michael Smallwood, and Hans Christoph Begemann, alongside the Rheinische Kantorei and Göttinger Symphonie Orchestra. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 29 minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience of classical choral music.
"Arminius" is divided into several dramatic scenes, each depicting pivotal moments in the historical saga. From the ominous introduction where dark clouds gather, to the battle cries and triumphant choruses, every track is a testament to Bruch's mastery of orchestration and choral writing. The album includes iconic pieces such as "In des Waldes Hallen rauscht es leis' geheimnisvoll," where the priestess and chorus invoke the gods, and the rousing "Zum Kampf! Zum Kampf!" which calls the warriors to battle.
This recording is a testament to Bruch's ability to weave historical narrative with musical brilliance, making "Arminius" a standout work in the classical repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey through one of history's most dramatic tales.
2009 CPO2009 CPO
Tracks
Arminius, Op. 43: Introduction. Was walzt sich, dunkeln Wetterwolken gleich (Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: Introduction, Recitative. Es sind die Schaaren Latiums (Arminius, Chorus, Siegmund)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: Introduction. Wir sind des Mars gewalt'ge Sohne (Chorus of Romans)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: Introduction, Recitative. Doch hier ist ihrer Herrschaft Grenze (Arminius)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: Introduction. Wir, Wodans freie Sohne (Chorus) - Duet. Frei schwebt der Adler in den Luften [Arminius, Siegmund]Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43, In the sacred forest, Scene. Prelude - Recitative. In des Waldes Hallen rauscht es leis' geheimnisvoll (Priestess, Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: In the sacred forest: Ihr Gotter, Walhallas Bewohner, o neiget euch gnadig (Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Insurrection, Recitative. O dass ich kunden muss meines Volkes Schmach! (Arminius, Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Insurrection, Recitative. O Jammer dieser dunkeln Tage (Siegmund) - Aria. Ich erschlug ihn und floh [Siegmund]Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Insurrection: Ich habe sie geseh'n, o viele sah' ich meiner tapfern (Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43, the Insurrection, Scene: Dulden wir langer die Schmach (Arminius)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Insurrection, Battle Song. Zum Kampf! Zum Kampf! (Arminius, Siegmund, Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Battle, Recitative. Dumpf erdrohnet der Forst vom heulenden Sturm (Priestess) - Aria. Wodan! Gottlicher, Schlachtenlenker! [Priestess]Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Battle: Wie donnernd vom Felsen der Strom Schaumend (Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Battle, Recitative. Hehre Mutter, Freya, gottliche (Priestess, Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43, the Battle, Scene. Recitative. Weh mir, ich sterbe (Siegmund, Chorus)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Battle: Horch, horch, es nahen Siegesklange, und tausend (Women, Chorus of Returning Warriors)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Battle, Recitative. Nicht meine Kraft, der Gotter Hulfe war's (Arminius)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
Arminius, Op. 43: The Battle, Final Chorus. Gross ist der Ruhm der deutschen Sohne! (Priestess, Chorus, Arminius)Max Bruch, Hans Christoph Begemann, Michael Smallwood, Ursula Eittinger, Ryoko Morooka, Rheinische Kantorei, Göttinger Symphonie Orchester, Hermann Max
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