Graun: Montezuma – Highlights

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque opera with Carl Heinrich Graun's "Montezuma – Highlights," a captivating collection of arias and ensembles from his renowned opera seria. Composed in 1755, "Montezuma" is a dramatic retelling of Hernán Cortés's conquest of Mexico and the tragic fate of the Aztec emperor Montezuma, with a libretto penned by none other than Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.

This album, released in 1967, offers a stunning showcase of Graun's mastery of the opera seria form, featuring some of the most memorable moments from the three-act opera. The highlight of the album is the powerful and dramatic aria "Barbaro, barbaro," a poignant expression of Montezuma's despair and anger at the cruelty of his Spanish captors. Other standout tracks include the lively "The Battle (Allegro)" and the heart-wrenching "Oh cielo! ahi, giorno orribile," a chorus that captures the horror and tragedy of the Aztec people.

Graun, born into a musical family from Saxony, was deeply influenced by Italian opera, and his work on "Montezuma" reflects his unique blend of German and Italian musical styles. The opera is notable for its forward-looking approach, anticipating the reforms of Christoph Willibald Gluck and even hinting at the innovations of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including the legendary soprano Joan Sutherland, mezzo-soprano Lauris Elms, and bass Joseph Ward, accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Richard Bonynge. Their performances bring to life the dramatic and lyrical beauty of Graun's score, making this album a essential listen for fans of Baroque opera and vocal music.

With a duration of approximately one hour, "Montezuma – Highlights" is a compelling introduction to the world of Carl Heinrich Graun and the rich tradition of 18th-century opera. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.