Dive into the dramatic world of Othmar Schoeck's "Penthesilea," a captivating one-act opera that stands as a testament to the composer's mastery of musical storytelling. This album, released on June 3, 2016, under the Walhall Eternity Series label, offers a rich and immersive experience that spans 77 minutes of powerful orchestration and vocal performance.
"Penthesilea" is based on Heinrich von Kleist's play of the same name, and Schoeck's German-language libretto brings the tragic tale to life with intense musical contrasts and a profound orchestral effect. The opera, originally premiered in 1927 at the Staatsoper in Dresden, is renowned for its use of C major and F♯ major as a musical foundation, creating a unique and haunting atmosphere.
This album features a stellar cast and orchestral performance, with the ORF Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Chorus delivering a powerful rendition under the direction of Gerd Albrecht. The vocal performances by Helga Dernesch, Jane Marsh, Mechthild Gessendorf, Marjana Lipovšek, and Theo Adam are particularly noteworthy, bringing depth and passion to their respective roles.
The opera's suite, arranged by Andreas Delfs, is akin to a symphonic poem, showcasing Schoeck's ability to convey complex emotions and dramatic tension through music. The album's 20 tracks offer a comprehensive journey through the opera, from the ominous opening to the tragic conclusion, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
"Penthesilea" is not just an opera; it is a profound exploration of human nature, love, and tragedy, set against the backdrop of ancient mythology. Schoeck's compositional prowess and the exceptional performances captured in this album make it a standout piece in the classical repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the genre, "Penthesilea" promises an unforgettable listening experience.
2016 Walhall Eternity Series2016 Walhall Eternity Series
Tracks
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Was Gilt's? Dort naht die unheilkunde schon (Oberpreisterin, Chorus, Meroe, Preisterin)Othmar Schoeck, Res Fischer, Paula Lenchner, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Hetzt alle hund' auf ihn! (Penthesilea, Prothoe, Meroe, Oberpreisterin)Othmar Schoeck, Res Fischer, Paula Brivkalne, Martha Mödl, Paula Lenchner, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Dass ich mit flugeln, weit gespreizt und rauschend (Penthesilea, Meroe, Prothoe, Oberpreisterin, Chorus)Othmar Schoeck, Res Fischer, Martha Mödl, Paula Brivkalne, Paula Lenchner, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Hier, meine wackeren Aetolier, heran! (Diomedes, Chorus, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Stefan Schwer, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Der weicht, ein schatten, vom platz (Achilles, Diomedes, Chorus, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Eberhard Wächter, Stefan Schwer, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Sie lebt nicht mehr (Achilles, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Eberhard Wächter, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea! O du traumerin! (Prothoe, Penthesilea)Othmar Schoeck, Paula Brivkalne, Martha Mödl, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Er war' gefangen mir? (Penthesilea, Prothoem Achilles)Othmar Schoeck, Eberhard Wächter, Paula Brivkalne, Martha Mödl, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Das ungluck, sagt man, lautere die gemuter (Penthesilea, Prothoe, Achilles)Othmar Schoeck, Eberhard Wächter, Paula Brivkalne, Martha Mödl, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Wer bist du wunderbares weib? (Achilles, Penthesilea)Othmar Schoeck, Eberhard Wächter, Martha Mödl, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Die freiheit schenk' ich dir (Penthesilea, Achilles, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Martha Mödl, Eberhard Wächter, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Triumph! Triumph! (Chor, Penthesilea, Meroe, Oberpreisterin, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Martha Mödl, Paula Lenchner, Res Fischer, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Ein herold naht dir, Konigin (Meroe, Prothoe, Bote, Penthesilea, Chorus)Othmar Schoeck, Paula Lenchner, Paula Brivkalne, Martha Mödl, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Sie stellt sich also? (Achilles, Diomedes, Chorus, Penthesilea, Priesterin)Othmar Schoeck, Eberhard Wächter, Stefan Schwer, Martha Mödl, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Entsetzen! O entsetzen! (Oberpriesterin, Chorus, Meroe)Othmar Schoeck, Res Fischer, Paula Lenchner, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Weh uns! wehe! (Chorus, Oberpriesterin, Priesterinnen, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Res Fischer, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Ach, Prothoe! (Penthesilea, Chorus, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Martha Mödl, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Wer von euch tat das? (Penthesilea, Chor, Oberpriesterin, Prothoe, Priesterinnen, Meroe)Othmar Schoeck, Martha Mödl, Res Fischer, Paula Lenchner, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Penthesilea, Op. 39: Und jetzt steig' ich in meinen busen nieder (Penthesilea, Prothoe)Othmar Schoeck, Martha Mödl, Paula Brivkalne, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leitner
Othmar Schoeck, born into an artistic family in Brunnen, Switzerland, in 1886, was a multifaceted musician renowned for his contributions as a composer, conductor, and pianist. Schoeck's musical journey began at the Zürich Conservatory, where he honed his skills before studying briefly with Max Reger in Leipzig. His career, primarily based in Zürich, spanned conducting choral societies and symphony orchestras, as well as composing a vast array of works.
Schoeck is celebrated for his art songs, or Lieder, which number over 300, showcasing his deep lyrical romanticism. His operas and instrumental works, influenced by figures like Busoni, Berg, and Les six, have earned him a place among the significant composers of the 20th century. Despite facing controversy for his collaboration with Nazi Germany, Schoeck's legacy endures, with his works experiencing a resurgence of interest in recent years. His compositions, including the haunting song-cycle "Notturno," offer a rich tapestry of emotional depth and musical innovation, making him a composer worth exploring for both his technical prowess and his enduring musical legacy.
Vinylscout
Othmar Schoeck
