Gluck Opera Arias

Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Christoph Willibald Gluck's birth with this captivating collection of opera arias, performed by one of Germany's leading tenors, Daniel Behle. This album, released by Decca Music Group Ltd., offers a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known arias of one of the 18th century's most prolific composers. Gluck, known for his innovative approach to opera, simplified recitative and streamlined the da capo aria, infusing his works with greater dramatic intensity.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, this album features 12 tracks from some of Gluck's most notable operas, including "Antigono," "La Semiramide riconosciuta," "Ipermestra," "Ezio," "La Contesa de' numi," "Le Cinesi," "Iphigénie en Aulide," "Orphée et Eurydice," "La Rencontre imprévue," and "Armide." Each aria is meticulously edited by Giovanni Secchi, ensuring an authentic and historically informed performance.

Accompanied by the renowned Armonia Atenea orchestra under the baton of conductor George Petrou, Daniel Behle's powerful and expressive tenor voice brings these arias to life. The album was recorded in the Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall at the Megaron, The Athens Concert Hall, Greece, providing an acoustically rich setting that enhances the listening experience.

Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the world of Christoph Willibald Gluck. The performances are both technically impressive and deeply moving, showcasing the timeless beauty of Gluck's compositions.

Christoph Willibald Gluck, a pioneering figure in the world of opera, bridged the gap between the Baroque and Classical eras with his innovative and dramatic compositions. Born in the Upper Palatinate and raised in Bohemia, Gluck's journey took him from the courts of Europe to the stages of Italy and France, where he revolutionized operatic practices. His groundbreaking works, such as "Orfeo ed Euridice" and "Alceste," broke away from the dominant opera seria style, introducing more dramatic storytelling and orchestral depth. Gluck's reforms, which included the use of orchestral recitative and the reduction of lengthy da capo arias, laid the foundation for the future of opera, influencing composers like Mozart and Berlioz. With a career spanning nearly five decades and a catalog of 49 operas, Gluck's legacy as a trailblazer in the world of classical music is undeniable.