Edward Gardner, the renowned British conductor, presents a captivating collection of German orchestral songs with his latest album, "Verklärte Nacht - German Orchestral Songs." Released on January 1, 2021, under the prestigious Chandos label, this album is a testament to Gardner's exceptional musical prowess and his ability to breathe new life into classical masterpieces.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, showcasing Gardner's versatility and deep understanding of the orchestral and operatic genres. The centerpiece of the album is Arnold Schoenberg's "Verklärte Nacht," presented in both its original string sextet version (Op. 4) and a later orchestral version (Op. 9). Gardner's interpretation of this iconic work is a highlight, offering a fresh perspective on this transformative piece.
Additionally, the album includes the hauntingly beautiful "Aus eiserner Zeit: V. Fieber" and the poignant "Abschiedslieder" by Richard Strauss. Gardner's delicate handling of these works reveals the intricate emotions and narratives woven into the music, making for a deeply engaging listening experience.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a compact yet profound journey through some of the most evocative German orchestral songs. Edward Gardner's meticulous attention to detail and his dynamic conducting style make this album a standout addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
2021 Chandos Records2021 Chandos Records
Tracks
Aus eiserner Zeit: V. Fieber (Version for Voice and Orchestra)Franz Lehár, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 9Oskar Fried, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton, Christine Rice
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: I. Grave - Poco più mosso (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: II. Moderato - Calando (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: III. A tempo - Poco più mosso (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: IV. Poco allegro - Pesante - Grave (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: V. Pesante - Grave (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: VI. Adagio - Meno mosso (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: VII. Poco adagio - Calando (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4: VIII. Adagio (molto tranquillo) - Largo (Revised 1943)Arnold Schoenberg, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra
Abschiedslieder, Op. 14: I. SterbeliedErich Wolfgang Korngold, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Abschiedslieder, Op. 14: II. Dies eine kann mein Sehnen nimmer fassenErich Wolfgang Korngold, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Abschiedslieder, Op. 14: III. Mond, so gehst du wieder aufErich Wolfgang Korngold, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Abschiedslieder, Op. 14: IV. Gefaßter AbschiedErich Wolfgang Korngold, Edward Gardner, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Stuart Skelton