Friedrich von Flotow's "Martha" is a captivating journey through the world of 19th-century opera, showcasing the enduring appeal of this German composer's work. Originally staged in Vienna, "Martha" was the opera that brought Friedrich von Flotow lasting fame, standing out among his approximately 30 operas. This album, released in 2014, offers a comprehensive exploration of Flotow's masterpiece, spanning nearly two hours of enchanting music.
The opera tells a tale of love and deception, set to Flotow's lyrical and melodious score. The album features a full performance of "Martha," complete with all four acts and a rich chorus, bringing the story to life. From the opening "Ouvertüre" to the dramatic final scenes, each track is a testament to Flotow's compositional prowess and the timeless beauty of his music.
This recording, presented by The Art of Singing, is a delight for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike. The meticulous attention to detail in the performance and recording ensures that every nuance of Flotow's score is captured, providing an immersive listening experience. Whether you are familiar with Friedrich von Flotow's work or discovering it for the first time, this album is a treasure trove of operatic excellence.
The Art Of SingingThe Art Of Singing
Tracks
Martha: OuvertüreFriedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin
Martha, Act I: "Darf mit mächtig düstren Tränen" (Chor, Nancy)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Rundfunkchor Hamburg, Gisela Litz
Martha, Act I: "Teure Lady!" (Nancy, Lady)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Gisela Litz, Sonja Schöner
Martha, Act I: "Gnaden Tristan Mickleford!" (Lady, Tristan)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Sonja Schöner, Walter Dicks
Martha, Act I: "Wohlgemut, junges Blut!" (Chor, Lady, Tristan, Nancy)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Rundfunkchor Hamburg, Sonja Schöner, Walter Dicks, Gisela Litz
Martha, Act I: "Mädchen, brav und treu" (Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act I: "Wie das schnattert, wie das plappert" (Plumkett, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act I: "Der Markt beginnt, die Glocke schallt!" (Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act I: "Vorwärts Bob, muss man Euch ziehen?" (Plumkett, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act I: "Sieh nur, wie sie uns betrachten?" (Plumkett, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act II: "Nur näher, schöne Mädchen" (Nancy, Lady, Tristan, Lyonel, Plumkett, Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Gisela Litz, Sonja Schöner, Walter Dicks, Donald Grobe, Karl Christian Kohn, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act II: "Was soll ich dazu sagen?" (Nancy, Lady, Tristan, Lyonel, Plumkett, Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Gisela Litz, Sonja Schöner, Walter Dicks, Donald Grobe, Karl Christian Kohn, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act II: "Nancy! Julia! So bleib doch!" (Lady, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Sonja Schöner, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act II: "Letzte Rose" (Lady, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Sonja Schöner, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act II: "Warte nur, das sollst du büssen!" (Plumkett, Nancy, Lady, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Gisela Litz, Sonja Schöner, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act II: "Nancy! Lady! Wie geht's weiter?" (Lady, Nancy, Tristan, Plumkett, Lyonell, Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Sonja Schöner, Gisela Litz, Walter Dicks, Karl Christian Kohn, Donald Grobel, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act III: "Lasst mich Euch fragen" (Plumkett, Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act III: "Horch, die Jagdfanfaren tönen" (Plumkett, Chor, Nancy)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Rundfunkchor Hamburg, Gisela Litz
Martha, Act III: "Warum pflück ich, o Rose" (Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act III: "Ach, so fromm, ach, so traut" (Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act III: "Die Königin kommt gleich!" (Tristan, Lady, Lyonel, Plumkett, Nancy, Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Walter Dicks, Sonja Schöner, Donald Grobe, Karl Christian Kohn, Gisela Litz, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act III: "Mag der Himmel Euch vergeben!" (Tristan, Lady, Lyonel, Plumkett, Nancy, Chor)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Walter Dicks, Sonja Schöner, Donald Grobe, Karl Christian Kohn, Gisela Litz, Rundfunkchor Hamburg
Martha, Act IV: "Nun geh zu deinem Freund" (Lady)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Sonja Schöner
Martha, Act IV: "Den Teuren zu versöhnen" (Lady)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Sonja Schöner
Martha, Act IV: "Lady! Mylady" (Nancy, Plumkett, Lady)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Gisela Litz, Karl Christian Kohn, Sonja Schöner
Martha, Act IV: "Der Lenz ist gekommen" (Nancy, Plumkett, Lady)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Gisela Litz, Karl Christian Kohn, Sonja Schöner
Martha, Act IV: "Fasst Euch, Lady!" (Nancy, Plumkett, Lady)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Gisela Litz, Karl Christian Kohn, Sonja Schöner
Martha, Act IV: "Hier die Buden, dort die Schänke!" (Chor, Lady, Nancy, Plumkett, Lyonel)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Rundfunkchor Hamburg, Sonja Schöner, Gisela Litz, Karl Christian Kohn, Donald Grobe
Martha, Act IV: "Ja, was nun?" (Plumkett, Nancy)Friedrich von Flotow, Hamburger Rundfunkorchester, Walter Martin, Karl Christian Kohn, Gisela Litz
Friedrich von Flotow, born into an ancient Mecklenburg noble family, was a prominent German opera composer whose works continue to captivate audiences today. Born on April 27, 1812, in Teutendorf, Flotow's musical journey took him from his homeland to Paris, where he spent significant time honing his craft. His most enduring contributions to the opera world include the beloved works "Martha" and "Alessandro Stradella," both of which showcase his mastery of romantic opera and his ability to incorporate Italian musical colors and folk elements. Flotow's career was marked by his roles as both a composer and a theater intendant, with stints in Schwerin and Paris. His life's work culminated in a legacy that celebrates the rich tapestry of 19th-century opera, making him a notable figure in the annals of classical music. Flotow passed away on January 24, 1883, in Darmstadt, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain.