Immerse yourself in the baroque splendor of Carl Heinrich Graun's "Polydorus," a masterful opera that stands as a testament to the composer's enduring genius. This 2020 release, meticulously performed by the Barockwerk Hamburg ensemble under the direction of Ira Hochman, offers a captivating journey through one of the most significant operas of the 18th century. With a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes, this double-CD set is a comprehensive exploration of Graun's first opera, which premiered in 1735 and was an instant success.
"Polydorus" is a rich tapestry of vocal and instrumental brilliance, featuring a stellar cast including Alon Harari, Fabian Kuhnen, and Andreas Heinemeyer, among others. The opera's libretto, while not specified, complements Graun's emotionally resonant music, creating a harmonious blend that transports the listener to the opulent world of baroque opera.
The album, released by the esteemed label CPO, is a labor of love, showcasing the dedication and artistry of all involved. Each of the 40 tracks is a gem, from the stirring "Ouverture" that opens Act I to the poignant "Es lebe Polidor!" that concludes the final act. The choral arrangements are particularly noteworthy, highlighting Graun's mastery of vocal composition.
For enthusiasts of baroque music and opera, "Polydorus" is an essential addition to any collection. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the works of Carl Heinrich Graun, one of the most influential composers of his time, in a modern performance that stays true to the original spirit of the piece. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.
2020 CPO2020 CPO
Tracks
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 1: OuvertureCarl Heinrich Graun, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 2: Willkommen, tapfrer HeldCarl Heinrich Graun, Fabian Kuhnen, Ralf Grobe, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 2: Tausend ZepterCarl Heinrich Graun, Ralf Grobe, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 3: So lifert der TyrannCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 3: Soll ich das Versprechen lassenCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 4: Ich Unglücksel'geCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 4: Hoffen, wo nihcts mehr zu hoffenCarl Heinrich Graun, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 5: Die Kleider des DeiphilusCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 5: Wenn du seufzestCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 6: Erlaube, daß mein MundCarl Heinrich Graun, Alon Harari, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 6: Mich sucht der Götter RacheCarl Heinrich Graun, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act I Scene 8: An statt des PolidorsCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Ralf Grobe, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act, I Scene 8: Nichts soll mich von ihm trennenCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 1: Wer bist du FremdlingCarl Heinrich Graun, Alon Harari, Ralf Grobe, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 1: Ein ausgehört'ter MutCarl Heinrich Graun, Alon Harari, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 4: Ach ändre deinen SchlußCarl Heinrich Graun, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 4: Ich will sterbenCarl Heinrich Graun, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 7: Prinz, man bereitet schonCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Alon Harari, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 7: Laß, mein FreundCarl Heinrich Graun, Alon Harari, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 8: Ich nehme dies Erbieten anCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act II Scene 8: Tyrann, du suchest LiebeCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act III Scene 5: Ihn lebend oder tot?Carl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Fabian Kuhnen, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act III Scene 6: Strenger HimmelCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act III Scene 7: Die Post, so du mir bringstCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Fabian Kuhnen, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act III Scene 8: Ihr Furien, grausame TöchterCarl Heinrich Graun, Fabian Kuhnen, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act III Scene 8: Ein Tanz von FurienCarl Heinrich Graun, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act IV Scene 5: Prinz, wärest du der SohnCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Alon Harari, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act IV Scene 5: Ruhe sanft, du edle SeeleCarl Heinrich Graun, Alon Harari, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act IV Scene 6: Ich kann der Sorgen michCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act IV Scene 6: Laß dein zärtlich banges KlagenCarl Heinrich Graun, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act IV Scene 7: Was hätt ich wohlCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act IV Scene 7: Komm denn, du angenehmer TodCarl Heinrich Graun, Santa Karnīte, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 1: Benetzt, Betrübte, mit den ZährenCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Alon Harari, Mirko Ludwig, Ralf Grobe, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 1: Hört auf mit KlagenCarl Heinrich Graun, Mirko Ludwig, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 1: Mein werter SohnCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Santa Karnīte, Alon Harari, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3,Act V Scene 2: In dem Blute des TyrannenCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 3: Entwaffnet ihn!Carl Heinrich Graun, Alon Harari, Fabian Kuhnen, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 3: Armer GeistCarl Heinrich Graun, Fabian Kuhnen, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 4: Es lebe Polidor!Carl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Alon Harari, Mirko Ludwig, Ralf Grobe, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Polydorus, GraunWV B:I:3, Act V Scene 5: Der Himmel läßtCarl Heinrich Graun, Hanna Zumsande, Santa Karnīte, Alon Harari, Mirko Ludwig, Fabian Kuhnen, Ralf Grobe, Andreas Heinemeyer, Barockwerk Hamburg, Ira Hochman
Carl Heinrich Graun (1704-1759) was a celebrated German composer and tenor, renowned for his significant contributions to the world of Italian opera and his influential role in the musical court of Frederick the Great. Born in Wahrenbrück, Saxony, Graun's musical journey began as a chorister in Dresden, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Antonio Lotti. His career flourished as he composed operas in Dresden and Brunswick before becoming the Kapellmeister to Frederick the Great in 1735. Throughout his tenure, Graun produced an impressive array of operas, sacred music, and oratorios, including his renowned Passion oratorio "Der Tod Jesu." His work not only enriched the musical landscape of his time but also left an enduring legacy, making him one of the most important German composers of Italian opera in the 18th century. Graun's compositions, ranging from operas to concertos and cantatas, continue to captivate audiences with their depth and innovation.
Vinylscout
Carl Heinrich Graun
