Schoenberg & Fauré: Pelléas et Mélisande

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of "Pelléas et Mélisande" with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Paavo Järvi. This captivating album, released on Alpha Classics, presents two distinct interpretations of Maurice Maeterlinck's timeless play, composed by Arnold Schoenberg and Gabriel Fauré. Celebrating the anniversaries of both composers in 2024, this collection offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse musical responses to the same narrative.

The album opens with Schoenberg's "Pelleas und Melisande, Op. 5," a work that showcases his early, lush Romantic style. The seven movements, ranging from the hesitant and halting "Die Achtel ein wenig bewegt – zögernd" to the sweeping "Breit," reveal Schoenberg's evolving compositional voice. The second half of the album features Fauré's "Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 80," a suite of four movements that includes the hauntingly beautiful "La mort de Mélisande. Molto Adagio."

With a total runtime of 58 minutes, this album is a testament to the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra's versatility and mastery. Paavo Järvi's conducting brings out the nuances and depths of both composers' works, offering listeners a rich and engaging experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.