Von Weber: Abu Hassan

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Carl Maria von Weber's "Abu Hassan," brought to life by the Berliner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester. This captivating album, released on November 24, 2011, under The Art Of Singing label, offers a delightful journey through the composer's early Romantic masterpiece, a Singspiel composed between 1810 and 1811. Spanning just over 51 minutes, the album features a rich tapestry of vocal and orchestral performances that showcase Weber's distinctive style and the orchestra's virtuosity.

The album opens with the lively "Ouvertüre," setting the stage for the ensuing drama. Throughout the 12 tracks, you'll be treated to a mix of arias, duets, and choruses, each highlighting the talents of the orchestra and the vocalists. Standout pieces include the tender "Liebes Weibchen" and the dramatic "Geld! Geld! (Chor)." The album also features the poignant "Ängstlich klopft es mir im Herzen," performed by Fatime, Abu Hassan, and Omar, and the triumphant "Heil ist dem Haus beschieden," sung by the chorus.

The Berliner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester delivers a compelling performance, bringing out the nuances and depth of Weber's score. Their interpretation is both faithful to the original work and fresh, offering a unique perspective on this lesser-known gem of the Romantic era. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and enchant.