Rihm: Jakob Lenz

Experience the profound and haunting world of Wolfgang Rihm's "Jakob Lenz" with this stunning 2024 release from Oehms Classics. This one-act chamber opera, originally composed between 1977 and 1978, is a seminal work in Rihm's illustrious career, showcasing his unique compositional voice and deep psychological insight.

Based on Georg Büchner's 1836 novella, "Jakob Lenz" delves into the tumultuous life of the German poet Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz, capturing his descent into madness with stark and poignant intensity. The opera, dedicated to Rihm's teacher Eugen Werner Velte, is a testament to the composer's early genius and has been celebrated for its innovative structure and powerful storytelling.

This 2024 recording, conducted by Franck Ollu and performed by the Nationaltheaterorchester Mannheim, features a stellar cast including Joachim Goltz, Patrick Zielke, and Josefin Feiler, among others. The album spans 13 scenes and 5 interludes, totaling an hour and six minutes of gripping musical drama. Each track is meticulously crafted, reflecting Rihm's mastery of orchestration and his ability to convey complex human experiences through music.

"Jakob Lenz" is not just an opera; it is a profound exploration of the human psyche, blending the mundane with the surreal. Wolfgang Rihm's score is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling, making it a standout piece in the contemporary opera repertoire. This recording serves as a fitting tribute to Rihm, who passed away in July 2024, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge audiences worldwide.