Dive into the dramatic and evocative world of Alexander von Zemlinsky with his compelling album "Zemlinsky: A Florentine Tragedy & Six Maeterlinck Songs." This captivating collection, released on July 1, 2014, offers a rich tapestry of dark cabaret music that spans a total of 74 minutes. The album is a stunning showcase of Zemlinsky's compositional prowess, blending operatic intensity with the haunting beauty of chamber music.
At the heart of the album is "A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16," an opera set in 16th-century Florence. This gripping narrative unfolds through a series of intense, dramatic scenes that explore themes of jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately, murder. Each track in this opera is a masterclass in musical storytelling, with Zemlinsky's intricate orchestration and vivid characterizations bringing the tragic tale to life.
Complementing the opera are the "Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13," a set of songs based on the poetry of Maurice Maeterlinck. These songs offer a more intimate and reflective counterpoint to the opera, showcasing Zemlinsky's ability to convey deep emotional landscapes through his music. The songs range from the hauntingly beautiful "Die drei Schwestern" to the poignant "Und kehrt er einst heim," each one a testament to Zemlinsky's lyrical genius.
The album features the London Philharmonic Orchestra, renowned for their precision and expressive power, under the direction of conductor Vladimir Jurowski. The performances are brought to life by the exceptional vocal talents of Alice Lackner and Sven Daigger, whose interpretations add depth and nuance to Zemlinsky's score.
"Zemlinsky: A Florentine Tragedy & Six Maeterlinck Songs" is a testament to Alexander von Zemlinsky's enduring legacy as a composer. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the rich interplay of drama, poetry, and music, and it stands as a powerful reminder of Zemlinsky's unique voice in the world of classical music.
2014 London Philharmonic Orchestra Ltd2014 LPO
Tracks
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Feurig SturmendAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: So Langsam, WeibAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Ich heisse Guido BardiAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Wo ist Mein Bundel?Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Wackrer Simone, GenugAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Bianca, Sag, Stunde nicht dies kostbar edle Kleid...Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Wie, wenn ich die weisse Bianca forderte?Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Was gibt es Neues, mein Prinz?Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Wie er gleich einem schalen Kramer spricht!Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Genug! Zur Freunde reif ist diese NachtAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Was meint der Fleck hier auf dem Tuch?Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Holdsel'ge Bianca, der schale Kramer langweilt michAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Simone, jetzt buss ich nach Hause gehn!Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Ei, welch' ein Schwert!Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Bianca, hol mein Schwert!Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Narr, nimm mir vom Hais deine Wurgefinger!Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
A Florentine Tragedy, Op. 16: Und jetzt du dir!Alexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Heike Wessels, Sergey Skorokhodov, Albert Dohmen
Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13: I. Die drei SchwesternAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Petra Lang
Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13: II. Die Mädchen mit den verbundenen AugenAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Petra Lang
Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13: III. Lied der JungfrauAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Petra Lang
Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13: IV. Als ihr Geliebter schiedAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Petra Lang
Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13: V. Und kehrt er einst heimAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Petra Lang
Six Maeterlinck Songs, Op. 13: VI. Sie kam zum Schloss gegangenAlexander von Zemlinsky, Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Petra Lang
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