Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Danish composer Niels Wilhelm Gade with this captivating album, released in 1992 by Chandos. Spanning a little over an hour and seventeen minutes, this collection showcases Gade's remarkable versatility and musical prowess, offering a blend of orchestral and vocal works that are sure to captivate any classical music enthusiast.
The centerpiece of the album is Gade's dramatic and lyrical legend "Elverskud" (Op. 30), inspired by the Ossian poems of James Macpherson. This multi-movement work is a testament to Gade's ability to weave compelling narratives through music, with its evocative melodies and rich harmonies. The album also features the overture "Echoes of Ossian" (Op. 1), which marked Gade's sensational debut and showcases his early mastery of orchestration.
Complementing these larger works are the "Five Songs" (Op. 13), a delightful set of vocal pieces that highlight Gade's lyrical gifts and sensitivity to text. These songs, performed by a solo contralto, offer a more intimate counterpoint to the grander orchestral works on the album.
Throughout the album, you'll hear the influence of Gade's mentor, Felix Mendelssohn, as well as the composer's own unique voice. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gade's music or a newcomer looking to explore his work, this album offers a compelling introduction to one of the most important figures in Danish musical history. So sit back, relax, and let the music of Niels Wilhelm Gade transport you to another time and place.
1992 Chandos Records1992 Chandos Records
Tracks
Elverskud, Op. 30: Prologue. AndanteNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Choir
Elverskud, Op. 30, First Part: I. Allegro moderatoNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Poul Elming, Anne Gjevang, Danish National Symphony Choir
Elverskud, Op. 30, First Part: II. Master Oluf's Ballade. Andante sostenutoNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Poul Elming, Anne Gjevang
Elverskud, Op. 30, Second Part: I. Andante con motoNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Poul Elming, Eva Johansson, Danish National Symphony Choir
Elverskud, Op. 30, Third Part: I. Morning Song. Andante con motoNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Choir
Elverskud, Op. 30, Third Part: II. AndantinoNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Poul Elming, Anne Gjevang, Danish National Symphony Choir
Elverskud, Op. 30: Epilogue. Andante sostenutoNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Choir
Echoes of Ossian, Op. 1: OvertureNiels Wilhelm Gade, Dmitri Kitayenko, Danish National Symphony Orchestra
Fünf Gesänge, Op. 13: I. Ritter FrühlingNiels Wilhelm Gade, Stefan Parkman, Danish National Radio Chamber Choir, Elisabeth Rehling
Fünf Gesänge, Op. 13: II. Die WasserroseNiels Wilhelm Gade, Stefan Parkman, Danish National Radio Chamber Choir, Elisabeth Rehling
Fünf Gesänge, Op. 13: III. MorgenwanderungNiels Wilhelm Gade, Stefan Parkman, Danish National Radio Chamber Choir, Elisabeth Rehling
Fünf Gesänge, Op. 13: IV. HerbstliedNiels Wilhelm Gade, Stefan Parkman, Danish National Radio Chamber Choir, Elisabeth Rehling
Fünf Gesänge, Op. 13: V. Im WaldNiels Wilhelm Gade, Stefan Parkman, Danish National Radio Chamber Choir, Elisabeth Rehling
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