Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Roberto Gerhard's "La Dueña," a captivating opera that showcases the composer's unique voice and mastery of the genre. Originally composed between 1945 and 1947, this three-act opera is a testament to Gerhard's ability to blend traditional operatic forms with modern sensibilities. The album, released on March 1, 1997, by Chandos, spans an impressive 2 hours and 28 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Gerhard's intricate score.
"La Dueña" is based on Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play "The Duenna," and it features a stellar cast of soloists, including Richard van Allen as Don Jerome and a chorus and orchestra that bring Gerhard's vision to life. The opera is a delightful blend of humor, intrigue, and romance, set against the backdrop of 18th-century Spain. With its lively melodies and complex harmonies, "La Dueña" is a feast for the ears, showcasing Gerhard's skill in crafting memorable musical themes and his ability to create a vivid, immersive world.
This album is a must for fans of opera and classical music, offering a rare opportunity to experience the work of a composer who, though less known than some of his contemporaries, is no less deserving of recognition. The high-quality recording and detailed liner notes provide valuable context and insights into Gerhard's life and work, making this album an essential addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "La Dueña" is sure to captivate and inspire.
1997 Chandos Records1997 Chandos Records
Tracks
La Dueña, Act I Scene 1: Ah! Devil take this plaguey string (Don Antonio, Donna Luisa, Servant, Two Brethren of Deadly Sin)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Susannah Glanville, David Owen-Lewis, Stephen Briggs, Bruce Budd
La Dueña, Act I Scene 1: What vagabonds are those I hear? (Don Jerome, Donna Luisa, Don Antonio, Two Brethren of Deadly Sin)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Susannah Glanville, David Owen-Lewis, Richard van Allen, Stephen Briggs, Bruce Budd
La Dueña, Act I Scene 2: Peace, booby, peace I say (Don Ferdinand, López)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Adrian Clarke, Jeremy Peaker
La Dueña, Act I Scene 2: Hey, Ferdinand, I say (Don Antonio, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Adrian Clarke
La Dueña, Act I Scene 3: But, my charming Duenna… (Donna Luisa, The Duenna)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville, Claire Powell
La Dueña, Act I Scene 3: I suppose you've been serenading too… (Don Jerome, Donna Luisa, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act I Scene 3: I'm astounded! (Don Jerome, The Duenna)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Claire Powell
La Dueña, Act I Scene 4: Clara! Clara, Clara! (Donna Luisa, Donna Clara)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville, Ann Taylor
La Dueña, Act I Scene 5: I tell thee, Father, … (Don Isaac, Father Paul, Donna Luisa)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Paul Wade, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act I Scene 5: Who's she? (Don Isaac, Donna Luisa, Father Paul, Don Ferdinand, Don Jerome, Gypsy, Beggars, Crowd, LadiesRoberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Richard van Allen, Paul Wade, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville, Denise Mulholland
La Dueña, Act II Scene 1: Donna Clara? (Don Jerome, Don Isaac)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Richard van Allen
La Dueña, Act II Scene 1: When a tender maid … (The Duenna, Don Isaac)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Claire Powell
La Dueña, Act II Scene 1: Well, my friend, have you softened her? (Don Jerome, Don Isaac, Don Ferdinand, López)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Jeremy Peaker
La Dueña, Act II: Melodrama and Interlude. Why, I must confess… (Don Jerome, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke
La Dueña, Act II Scene 2: Was ever truant daughter … (Donna Luisa)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act II Scene 3: Indeed, my good friend (Don Antonio, Don Isaac, Father Paul, Donna Luisa)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville, Eric Roberts , Neill Archer, Paul Wade
La Dueña, Act III Scene 1: Jam est hora surgere (Don Antonio, Don Isaac, Father Paul, Two Brethren of Deadly Sin)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Neill Archer, Paul Wade, Stephen Briggs, Bruce Budd
La Dueña, Act III Scene 1: Antonio! Don Ferdinand is at the porch… (Donna Luisa, Don Isaac, Don Antonio, Don Ferdinand, Father PauRoberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Neill Archer, Paul Wade, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act III Scene 1: Turn thee round I pray thee (Donna Luisa, Don Antonio, Father Paul, Donna Clara, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Paul Wade, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville, Ann Taylor
La Dueña, Act III Scene 2: Why, I never was so amazed… (Don Jerome, Don Ferdinand, Donna Clara, López, Guests, Beggars, Chorus)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Ann Taylor, Jeremy Peaker, Chorus Of Opera North
La Dueña, Act III Scene 2: Don Isaac Mendoza (López, Don Isaac, Don Jerome, Donna Clara, Donna Luisa, Father Paul, Don Ferdinand,Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Ann Taylor, Susannah Glanville, Paul Wade, Eric Roberts
La Dueña, Act III Scene 2: Now come for dance and song… (Don Jerome, All)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Ann Taylor, Susannah Glanville, Paul Wade, Eric Roberts
Roberto Gerhard, born in 1896 in Valls, Catalonia, was a pioneering composer who bridged the musical traditions of Spain and Britain. Initially studying piano with the renowned Enrique Granados and composition with Felipe Pedrell, Gerhard's musical journey took a significant turn when he became a pupil of Arnold Schoenberg in Vienna and Berlin. This exposure to Schoenberg's innovative techniques deeply influenced Gerhard's own compositional style, leading him to become a central figure in the Catalan avant-garde upon his return to Barcelona in 1928.
Gerhard's music is a rich tapestry of influences, blending Catalan folk music with modern tonal and serial styles. His works span a wide range of genres, including ballets, operas, symphonies, and groundbreaking electronic compositions. He was one of the first electronic composers based in the UK, pushing the boundaries of what music could be. Throughout his career, Gerhard collaborated with notable figures such as Pablo Casals and Joan Miró, further enriching his artistic legacy. His contributions to the world of music are celebrated for their innovation and cultural depth, making Roberto Gerhard one of the most prominent Spanish composers of the 20th century.
Vinylscout
Roberto Gerhard
