Hindemith | Wagner - Bryn Terfel

Album Description

Bryn Terfel's captivating album, Hindemith | Wagner, is a masterful blend of classical and operatic works, showcasing the renowned artist's incredible vocal range and expressive depth. Released on 1 January 2011 by Deutsche Grammophon, this 1 hour and 11 minute album is a treasure trove of musical delights.

The album commences with Paul Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber, a four-movement work that showcases Bryn Terfel's technical prowess and emotional intensity. The movements - Allegro, Turandot (Scherzo), Andantino, and Marsch - demonstrate the artist's remarkable ability to convey the complexities and nuances of Hindemith's composition.

The album then transitions to a selection of iconic works by Richard Wagner, including the Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, "Was duftet doch der Flieder" from Act 2 of the same opera, and "O du, mein holder Abendstern" from Tannhäuser. These pieces are complemented by excerpts from Die Walküre, featuring The Ride of the Valkyries, Wotan's Farewell, and Magic Fire Music, as well as the Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin.

Throughout the album, Bryn Terfel's powerful and expressive voice brings these operatic masterpieces to life, demonstrating his profound understanding of the genres of opera, requiem, classical, and choral music. With Hindemith | Wagner, Bryn Terfel delivers a compelling and emotionally charged performance that will resonate with fans of classical music and leave a lasting impression on all who listen.

1 jan 2011

℗ 2011 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Bryn Terfel

Sir Bryn Terfel, the acclaimed Welsh bass-baritone, is renowned for his powerful and versatile performances in opera and concert halls worldwide. Born in rural North Wales in 1965, Terfel's musical journey began at a young age, singing onstage at Eisteddfodau by the age of four. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with notable teachers Arthur Reckless and Rudolf Piernay, honing his craft to become one of the most celebrated singers of his generation.

Terfel's repertoire spans the works of Mozart, Puccini, Wagner, and Strauss, showcasing his ability to tackle both lighter and heavier roles with equal mastery. His discography is extensive, featuring over 15 solo albums and award-winning opera recordings. Among his many accolades, Terfel has been knighted, received the Queen's Medal for Music, and was named an Austrian Kammersänger.

On stage, Terfel is not just admired for his stunning voice but also for his exceptional acting skills, bringing depth and clarity to every role he plays. Whether performing at prestigious venues or returning to his Welsh roots, Sir Bryn Terfel continues to captivate audiences with his extraordinary talent and charismatic presence.