Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Bohuslav Martinů's "The Greek Passion, H. 372," a captivating opera that spans four acts and over two hours of enthralling music. This 2017 release on Oehms Classics is a testament to Martinů's mastery of neoclassical and chamber music styles, offering a profound and engaging listening experience.
Based on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel "Christ Recrucified," "The Greek Passion" is a powerful exploration of faith, community, and human nature. The opera is presented in its entirety, featuring 43 tracks that bring to life the vivid characters and poignant narratives of the story. From the stirring opening act to the resolute finale, each scene is meticulously crafted to evoke the essence of the original text.
The performance showcases the talents of the Graz Opera Chorus and the Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, under the direction of Wilfried Zelinka. Their powerful vocals and precise execution bring depth and authenticity to Martinů's score, making this recording a standout in the repertoire of classical opera.
"The Greek Passion, H. 372" is not just an opera; it is a journey through the complexities of human experience, set against the backdrop of a small Greek village during the Easter season. The music is both evocative and accessible, appealing to both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Whether you are drawn to the rich harmonies, the dramatic storytelling, or the historical significance of the work, this album promises a rewarding and immersive experience.
2017 Oehms Classics2017 Oehms Classics
Tracks
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Lord, My Lord!Bohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: This World Is a Real Success!Bohuslav Martinů, Dietmar Hirzberger, Falk Witzurke, Ivan Orescanin, Wilfried Zelinka, Tino Sekay, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: La, La, La!Bohuslav Martinů, Falk Witzurke, Ivan Orescanin, Dietmar Hirzberger, Wilfried Zelinka, Tino Sekay, Dariusz Perczak, Manuel von Senden, Martin Fournier, Taylan Reinhard, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Approach, Manolios, ApproachBohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Rolf Romei, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Don't You Notice Me, My Lord?Bohuslav Martinů, Tatjana Miyus, Rolf Romei, Dietmar Hirzberger, Manuel von Senden, Dariusz Perczak, Martin Fournier, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Listen to That!Bohuslav Martinů, Martin Fournier, Manuel von Senden, Dariusz Perczak, Rolf Romei, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Lord! Lord!Bohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Martin Fournier, Markus Butter, Dshamilja Kaiser, Konstantin Sfiris, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Katerina, What Are You After Here Among All These Men?Bohuslav Martinů, Taylan Reinhard, Dshamilja Kaiser, Sofía Mara, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Who Are You? What Are You Doing Here?Bohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Markus Butter, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: He Looks like the Apostle JamesBohuslav Martinů, Dariusz Perczak, Manuel von Senden, Rolf Romei, Wilfried Zelinka, Sofía Mara, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: My Sons, at This Very MomentBohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Markus Butter, Ivan Orescanin, Dietmar Hirzberger, Falk Witzurke, Tino Sekay, Yuan Zhang, Rolf Romei, Dshamilja Kaiser, Manuel von Senden, Martin Fournier, Taylan Reinhard, Dariusz Perczak, Tatjana Miyus, Richard Friedemann Jähnig, Sanggyoul Lee, Christian Scherler, Sofía Mara, Konstantin Sfiris, David McShane, Benjamin Plautz, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: I Have Nothing Else, My SistersBohuslav Martinů, Dshamilja Kaiser, Taylan Reinhard, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: Father, Tonight You Can Rest on the Sarakina MountBohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Manuel von Senden, Dariusz Perczak, Markus Butter, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act I: May the Race Take RootBohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Manuel von Senden, Martin Fournier, Dariusz Perczak, Markus Butter, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Then... The Deep PeaceBohuslav Martinů, Benjamin Plautz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Here My SonBohuslav Martinů, Manuel von Senden, Dshamilja Kaiser, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Hi, Yannakos!Bohuslav Martinů, Tino Sekay, Manuel von Senden, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Yannakos!Bohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Manuel von Senden, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Manolios! Manolios!Bohuslav Martinů, Dshamilja Kaiser, Rolf Romei, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Three Times I Have Seen Villages PlantedBohuslav Martinů, Konstantin Sfiris, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Here We'll Build the Gate!Bohuslav Martinů, Markus Butter, Manuel von Senden, Konstantin Sfiris, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Here Is a Good Man from LycovrissiBohuslav Martinů, Markus Butter, Manuel von Senden, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act II: Father! Father! The Old Man Is Dead!Bohuslav Martinů, Markus Butter, Manuel von Senden, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: Eat! Eat!Bohuslav Martinů, Christian Scherler, Rolf Romei, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: Manolios! Manolios!Bohuslav Martinů, Tatjana Miyus, Wilfried Zelinka, Dshamilja Kaiser, Rolf Romei, Christian Scherler, Manuel von Senden, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: Manolios! What's the Matter?Bohuslav Martinů, Tatjana Miyus, Rolf Romei, Christian Scherler, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: Who Is There?Bohuslav Martinů, Dshamilja Kaiser, Rolf Romei, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: I'm Son of the LightBohuslav Martinů, Manuel von Senden, Dshamilja Kaiser, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: What Is He Talking About?Bohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Ivan Orescanin, Rolf Romei, Yuan Zhang, Richard Friedemann Jähnig, Sanggyoul Lee, Tino Sekay, Taylan Reinhard, Martin Fournier, Manuel von Senden, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: Christ Is Still AliveBohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Christian Scherler, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act III: I Would Like to Tell You an AdventureBohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Martin Fournier, Manuel von Senden, Dariusz Perczak, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Oh! As the Apple Tree Among the TreesBohuslav Martinů, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Today Lenio and Nikolio Are Celebrating Their WeddingBohuslav Martinů, Ivan Orescanin, Tatjana Miyus, Christian Scherler, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: God Called Up the DayBohuslav Martinů, Benjamin Plautz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: It's Manolios!Bohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Tino Sekay, Taylan Reinhard, Markus Butter, Ivan Orescanin, Dietmar Hirzberger, Yuan Zhang, Falk Witzurke, Rolf Romei, Dshamilja Kaiser, Manuel von Senden, Martin Fournier, Dariusz Perczak, Tatjana Miyus, Richard Friedemann Jähnig, Sanggyoul Lee, Christian Scherler, Sofía Mara, Konstantin Sfiris, David McShane, Benjamin Plautz, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Brothers, Christians!Bohuslav Martinů, Wilfried Zelinka, Martin Fournier, Manuel von Senden, Dariusz Perczak, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Men, Listen to Me!Bohuslav Martinů, Rolf Romei, Manuel von Senden, Wilfried Zelinka, Taylan Reinhard, Tino Sekay, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: It Is Christmas EveBohuslav Martinů, Benjamin Plautz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Don't Awake Him, He's DreamingBohuslav Martinů, Yuan Zhang, Benjamin Plautz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Manolios Is Dead, Let's Pray for HimBohuslav Martinů, Markus Butter, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Gloria, Gloria, Alleluja!Bohuslav Martinů, Markus Butter, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: The Name of the Young Man Was Written on the SnowBohuslav Martinů, Dshamilja Kaiser, Markus Butter, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
The Greek Passion, H. 372 (Ed. A. Březina), Act IV: Alleluja!Bohuslav Martinů, Dshamilja Kaiser, Graz Opera Chorus, Chor der Kunstuniversität Graz, Grazer Philharmonisches Orchester, Dirk Kaftan
Bohuslav Martinů, a towering figure in 20th-century classical music, was a Czech composer whose eclectic and prolific output reflects a remarkable journey through various musical styles and influences. Born in Polička in 1890, Martinů's early prowess on the violin led him to the Prague Conservatory, where he honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for the theater and French impressionism. His compositions, which include symphonies, operas, and ballets, are a testament to his versatility and innovative spirit, drawing from French impressionism, jazz, folk music, and neoclassicism. Martinů's works, such as "Julietta," "Taras Bulba," and "The Field Mass," are celebrated for their unique blend of tradition and modernity. Throughout his life, Martinů's love for sport, particularly football, added an unexpected dimension to his artistic persona. His legacy endures as one of the most significant contributors to Czech music, standing alongside giants like Smetana, Dvořák, and Janáček.