WEBER, C.M. von: Euryanthe [Opera] (Norman)

Carl Maria von Weber - Wilhelmina Christiane von Chezy

Released on 01/01/1976 by Eterna
Main artists: Rundfunkchor Leipzig Staatskapelle Dresden Marek Janowski
Genre: Full Operas

Available in

16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo

Unlimited Streaming

Listen to this album in high quality now on our apps

Start my trial period and start listening to this album

Enjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription

Digital Download

Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.

Following the success of Der Freischütz in 1821, Weber determined to break with the singspiel tradition and write a grand romantic opera without spoken dialogue. The libretto he settled on for the project, by Helmina von Chézy, was dramatically weak, and Weber further undermined it by insisting on the addition of a supernatural element. As a result, the opera has never been a huge, popular success, which is a shame since it contains some of Weber's finest work, a wealth of impassioned, noble, dramatic, and vocally spectacular music. This 1974 performance makes a terrifically strong case for the opera's music, and since it's apparently not viable on-stage, it may be best experienced as a recording. This three-CD set presents a musically compelling version of the opera, with an outstanding all-star cast, many of whom are in top form. Jessye Norman is at the height of her powers, her voice warm and loamy rich and her performance radiant, often thrilling. Nicolai Gedda is generally very fine, but his performance doesn't consistently have the clarion ringing top that characterizes his very best work. Mezzo-soprano Rita Hunter, who is sadly underrepresented on disc, sounds like a superstar and easily holds her own in her scenes with Norman, providing a good match in the beauty of her tone quality and the intensity of her portrayal. Tom Krause's dark bass is beautifully resonant, absolutely secure, and thoroughly sinister. Bass Siegfried Vogel may not be Krause's equal, but he is fully adequate for the demands of his role. From the opening notes of the familiar overture, Marek Janowski establishes a high standard of beautifully nuanced orchestral playing and creates a sense of dramatic urgency that he maintains throughout the opera. He leads the Dresden Staatskapelle and Leipzig Rundfunkchor in a performance that's both elegant and bursting with energy. While the opera may be a muddle on-stage, as a purely aural experience it's pulse-quickeningly dramatic and full of gorgeous, gratifying music. The sound is lively and clean, with excellent balance. The stellar performances of this neglected masterpiece make this a release that should be of strong interest to any fans of Romantic opera.

© TiVo

More info

WEBER, C.M. von: Euryanthe [Opera] (Norman)

Rundfunkchor Leipzig

You are currently listening to samples.

Listen to over 100 million songs with an unlimited streaming plan.

Listen to this playlist and more than 100 million songs with our unlimited streaming plans.

From €13,50/month

Euryanthe, J. 291: Ouvertüre

Tom Krause