Immerse yourself in the powerful and thought-provoking world of Hans Werner Henze's "Das Floß der Medusa," a captivating oratorio that delves into the tumultuous history of colonial struggles and their victims in the early 19th century. This two-part masterpiece, originally titled "Oratorio volgare e militare," is a profound exploration of human resilience and the harsh realities of history.
Composed by the renowned Hans Werner Henze with text by Ernst Schnabel, this work is a striking blend of avant-garde and neoclassical genres, showcasing Henze's unique musical vision. The oratorio is performed by a stellar lineup of vocalists, including a soprano, bariton, and a speaker, accompanied by a mixed choir and a full orchestra.
Recorded live at the Komische Oper Berlin under the direction of Titus Engel, this album captures the raw energy and dramatic intensity of the performance. The orchestration is intricate and evocative, drawing listeners into the narrative of survival and despair. The album's duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes offers a comprehensive journey through Henze's compelling score.
"Das Floß der Medusa" is not just a musical experience but a historical and cultural one. It offers a poignant reflection on the human condition, making it a significant addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a fan of avant-garde music or neoclassical compositions, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2023 Capriccio, 1040 Vienna, Austria2023 Capriccio, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Tracks
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 1, Prolog des Charon - LiveHans Werner Henze, Sven-Eric Bechtolf
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 2, Vom Hafen aus lässt sich urteilen über die - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 3, Vive le roi! - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 4, Die See war still, der Wind aus Norden wehte angenehm - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 5, Den Bänken von Arguin - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 6, Drei Tage Kampf um das Schiff - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Sarah Wegener, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 7, Wir standen an der Reling, sah’n ihm zu - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 8, Wir schauten auf - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 9, Per correr migliori acque alza le vele - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 1: No. 10, Es kam der zweite Tag - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Cornelius Meister, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 11, Acht Nächte haben den Mond wachsen - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 12, Wie viele Königreiche wissen nichts von uns? - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 13, La luna, quasi a mezza notte tarda - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 14, Mitternacht - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 15, Da ging ein Mann über das Floß - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Wiener Sängerknaben
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 16, Wir haben kein Gesetz - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Dietrich Henschel, Sarah Wegener, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
Das Floß der Medusa, Pt. 2: No. 17, Schau auf! - LiveHans Werner Henze, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sven-Eric Bechtolf, Sarah Wegener, Dietrich Henschel, Cornelius Meister, Arnold Schoenberg Chor
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