Dive into the profound and politically charged world of Hanns Eisler with "Chamber Cantatas & Songs," a compelling collection released by CPO in 2013. This album showcases the masterful compositional skills of Eisler, a prominent figure from the Weimar era, known for his ardent Marxist views and his significant contributions to film music. The album features a diverse range of works, including chamber cantatas and songs that span various periods of Eisler's creative life. The tracks are performed by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including Monika Moldenhauer on mezzo-soprano, Beate Zelinsky on clarinet, and Paulo Alvares on piano, among others.
The album begins with the intricate "Kammerkantate No. 3, 'Die römische Kantate,'" which delves into themes of Rome's grandeur and decay, followed by other cantatas that explore existential questions and social commentary. The "Kriegskantate" reflects on the changing landscapes of war-torn lands, while "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen" pays a poignant tribute to a fallen comrade. The album also includes settings of poetic works, such as the "2 Sonette, Op. 54" and "2 Elegien," which add a lyrical depth to Eisler's compositions.
"Chamber Cantatas & Songs" is not just a collection of musical pieces but a testament to Eisler's artistic and political convictions. The album's duration of 59 minutes ensures a rich and immersive listening experience, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are familiar with Eisler's work or discovering it for the first time, this album offers a deep dive into the composer's unique musical language and his enduring legacy.
2013 CPO2013 CPO
Tracks
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": I. Das grosse RomHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": II. Der GestankHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": III. Woher kommt er?Hanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": IV. Die AngstHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 4, "Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andern": I. Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andernHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 4, "Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andern": II. Niemand lebt in der GegenwartHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 4, "Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andern": III. Man soll nicht wartenHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 5, "Kriegskantate": I. Das Land ist nicht meht das alte LandHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 5, "Kriegskantate": II. Armes Volk, dessen LeidensfahigkeitHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 7, "Die den Mund auf hatten": No. 1. Die den Mund aufhattenHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 7, "Die den Mund auf hatten": No. 2. Ihre Faulnis ist so grossHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 7, "Die den Mund auf hatten": No. 3. Sie glauben an ihnHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": I. Die NachrichtHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": II. Die VerhaftungHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": III. Die ErmordungHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": IV. Der NachruhmHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 9, "Zuchthauskantate": I. Angelo Landon wurde mit einundzwanzig JahrenHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 9, "Zuchthauskantate": II. Lange Zeit horte man auf den MeetingsHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 9, "Zuchthauskantate": III. Georgia Prison SongHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
2 Sonette, Op. 54: No. 1. Der Gott und die BajadereHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers
2 Sonette, Op. 54: No. 2. Die BurgschaftHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers
2 Elegien: No. 1. In die Stadte kam ich…Hanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Paulo Alvares
2 Elegien: No. 2. Ihr, die Ihr Auftauchen werdet…Hanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: I. IntroductionHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: II. Barcarole: Wir freun uns sehrHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: III. Recitativo drammatico: Gezeugt in ParisHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: IV. Wiegenlied: Schlafen sie ruhig, Herr MeierHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kammerkantate No. 2, "Die Weissbrotkantate": I. Bei der Betrachtung eines kirchlichen GemaldesHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 2, "Die Weissbrotkantate": II. Die wahre Geschichte von San BerardoHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 2, "Die Weissbrotkantate": III. Abschliessende BemerkungHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Hanns Eisler, born in Leipzig in 1898, was a prolific and versatile German-Austrian composer whose life and work were deeply intertwined with the political and cultural upheavals of the 20th century. A committed socialist and staunch anti-fascist, Eisler's music reflected his political beliefs, earning him both acclaim and persecution. He studied under Arnold Schoenberg, becoming one of his most talented pupils, and later collaborated extensively with Bertolt Brecht, creating powerful works that combined music and text to address social and political issues. Eisler's compositions span a wide range of genres, from film scores and political songs to orchestral and choral works, showcasing his remarkable versatility. His most enduring legacy is perhaps the national anthem of East Germany, a testament to his enduring influence. Despite facing exile and persecution, first from the Nazis and later from McCarthyism in the United States, Eisler's music remains a powerful expression of his unwavering commitment to his artistic and political ideals.
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Hanns Eisler
