Immerse yourself in the dramatic intensity of Carl Orff's "Antigonae," a powerful musical setting of the ancient Greek tragedy. Originally composed in 1949, this 2016 release by Orfeo offers a pristine recording that finally does justice to Orff's visionary work. Spanning over two and a half hours, this album is a monumental exploration of Orff's unique compositional style, blending his distinctive rhythmic drive with the profound themes of Sophocles' classic tale.
"Antigonae" is not an opera in the traditional sense but a "Vertonung," a musical setting that allows the ancient text to resonate with Orff's modern sensibilities. The album features a series of powerful arias and choral pieces that bring the tragic story of Antigone to life, showcasing Orff's mastery of dramatic expression.
The recording boasts exceptional audio quality, a significant improvement over previous versions that were marred by poor sound. The performances are vivid and compelling, with the Sinfonie-Orchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Prague Philharmonic Choir delivering stirring renditions under the baton of conductor Ferdinand Leitner.
This album is a testament to Orff's genius, offering a deep dive into his dramatic and musical prowess. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Orff's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "Antigonae" promises a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's five acts are meticulously crafted, each track building on the last to create a cohesive and impactful narrative. From the haunting opening notes to the dramatic climax, "Antigonae" is a masterclass in musical storytelling.
2016 Orfeo2016 Orfeo
Tracks
Antigonae, Act I: Gemeinsamschwesterliches! o Ismenes Haupt!Carl Orff, Christel Goltz, Irmgard Barth, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act I: O Blick der Sonne, du schonsterCarl Orff, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act I: Ihr Manner, war's die Stadt alleinCarl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act I: Dir dunket diss, o Sohn MenokeusCarl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act I: Mein Konig, diesmal plaudr' ich nichtCarl Orff, Paul Kuen, Hermann Uhde, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act II: Ungeheuer ist vielCarl Orff, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act II: Wie Gottes Versuchung aber steht es vor mirCarl Orff, Paul Kuen, Hermann Uhde, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act II: Du also, die zur Erde neigt das HauptCarl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Christel Goltz, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act II: Aber jetzt kommt aus dem Tor IsmeneCarl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Irmgard Barth, Christel Goltz, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act III: Gluckselige solcher Zeit, da man nicht schmecket das UbelCarl Orff, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act III: Hamon kommt hierCarl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Karl Ostertag, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act III: Geist der Liebe, dennoch SiegerCarl Orff, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act III: Jetzt aber komm'ich, eben, selberCarl Orff, Christel Goltz, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act III: Doch komm' ich an, so nahr' ich das mit HofnungenCarl Orff, Christel Goltz, Hermann Uhde, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act IV: O des Landes Thebes vaterliche StadtCarl Orff, Christel Goltz, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act IV: Ihr Fursten Thebes! miteinander kommenCarl Orff, Ernst Haefliger, Hermann Uhde, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act IV: Der Mann, mein Konig, ging viel prophezeiendCarl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act V: Namensshopfer, der du von den Wassern, welche KadmosCarl Orff, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act V: O ihr des Kadmos Nachbarn und AmphiosCarl Orff, Kurt Böhme, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act V: O all ihr Burger! eine Rede merkt' ichCarl Orff, Marianne Schech, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act V: Ich liebe Frau, sag' es, als AugenzeugeCarl Orff, Kurt Böhme, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Antigonae, Act V: Io! unsinnige Sinne!Carl Orff, Hermann Uhde, Kurt Böhme, Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bavarian State Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Carl Orff, born in Munich in 1895, was a German composer and music educator whose name is indelibly linked to his monumental cantata "Carmina Burana." This sprawling, dramatic work, composed in the mid-1930s, is a symphonic tour de force for full orchestra, symphony choir, and youth choir, setting to music texts from a 13th-century collection of poems. Orff's innovative approach to composition and his unique rhythmic and melodic language make "Carmina Burana" a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Beyond his compositional prowess, Orff was a pioneer in music education, developing the Schulwerk, a method that emphasized rhythm, movement, and improvisation, and which has had a lasting impact on children's musical training. His work as an educator began in the 1920s, and his innovative approaches continue to influence music teaching today. Orff's life and work were significantly shaped by the historical context of his time, including the rise of the Third Reich and the Nazi regime's complex relationship with his music. His legacy endures as a composer who not only created powerful, evocative music but also revolutionized the way we think about musical education.
Vinylscout
Carl Orff
