Immerse yourself in the gripping and intense world of Bernd Alois Zimmermann's masterful opera, "Die Soldaten." This monumental work, released on January 1, 2007, by the esteemed label Wergo, is a testament to Zimmermann's innovative and avant-garde approach to music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 52 minutes, this four-act opera is based on Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz's 1776 play of the same name and is Zimmermann's sole completed opera.
"Die Soldaten" is renowned for its groundbreaking use of multimedia elements, including simultaneous scenes, film projections, and tape recordings, all seamlessly integrated into the composition. Zimmermann's eclectic style, which draws from dodecaphony, serialism, and musical quotation, creates a rich and complex sonic landscape that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The opera demands massive musical forces, making it a monumental achievement in 20th-century music.
Zimmermann's "Die Soldaten" is not just an opera; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, reflecting the composer's experiences living through the horrors of the Second World War. The opera's bleak and bold visions are a stark reminder of the turmoil and chaos of the era, making it a significant contribution to the operatic canon.
This double-disc album features 24 tracks, meticulously recorded and mastered to capture the full scope and intensity of Zimmermann's vision. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Die Soldaten" offers a unique and unforgettable listening experience. Dive into the intricate layers of Zimmermann's composition and discover why "Die Soldaten" is celebrated as one of the most important German operas of the 20th century.
(C) 2007 Wergo(P) 2007 Wergo
Tracks
Die Soldaten: PreludioBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I: IntroduzioneBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 1: StrofeBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Helga Jenckel, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 2: Ciacona IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Claudio Nicolai, Elisabeth Schärtel, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I: Tratto IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 3: Ricercari IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Anton de Ridder, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 4: Toccata IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Erich Winkelmann, Gerd Nienstedt, Willi Brokmeier, Heiner Horn, Albert Weikenmeier, Norman Paige, Hubert Möhler, Heribert Steinbach, Camillo Meghor, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 5: Nocturno IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II: IntroduzioneBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II Scene 1: Toccata IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Heiner Horn, Albert Weikenmeier, Erich Winkelmann, Willi Brokmeier, Norman Paige, Hubert Möhler, Heribert Steinbach, Claudio Nicolai, Camillo Meghor, Gerd Nienstedt, Karl Acher, Artur Korn, Klaus Bruch, Hans Franzen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II: IntermezzoBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II Scene 2: Capriccio, Corale e Ciacona IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Anton de Ridder, Maura Moreira, Elisabeth Schärtel, Claudio Nicolai, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III: PreludioBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 1: RondinoBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Heiner Horn, Albert Weikenmeier, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 2: RappresentazioneBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Claudio Nicolai, Camillo Meghor, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 3: Ricercari IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Helga Jenckel, Edith Gabry, Camillo Meghor, Claudio Nicolai, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III: RomanzaBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 4: Nocturno IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Liane Synek, Rolf Grohme, Willi Brokmeier, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 5: TropiBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Helga Jenckel, Rolf Grohme, Liane Synek, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV: PreludioBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV Scene 1: Toccata IIIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Helga Jenckel, Liane Synek, Elisabeth Schärtel, Maura Moreira, Anton de Ridder, Willi Brokmeier, Albert Weikenmeier, Claudio Nicolai, Heiner Horn, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV Scene 2: Ciacona IIIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Camillo Meghor, Anton de Ridder, Claudio Nicolai, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV Scene 3: Nocturno IIIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Heiner Horn, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
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