Weber: Overtures / Konzertstück in F minor / Arias

 
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CARL MARIA VON WEBER
Weber: Overtures / Konzertstück in F minor / Arias
Martin Helmchen; Anna Prohaska; Konzerthausorchester Berlin; Christoph Eschenbach

[ Alpha Classics / CD ]

Release Date: Friday 28 May 2021

200 years ago, on May 26th 1821, today's Berlin Concert Hall was inaugurated as "Königliches Schauspielhaus". Destroyed as "Preußisches Staatstheater" during World War II, the building, located in eastern Berlin, was rebuilt during GDR times and reopened as "Konzerthaus" in 1984. The premiere of Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischütz on June 18th 1821 was a highlight of the opening year. The work became his most popular opera and one of the key works of the 19th century. A few days later, the composer (who died at the age of only 40 in 1826), had another piece premiered at the "Königliches Schauspielhaus": his brilliant "Concert Piece for Piano and Orchestra op.79".

This year the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, with its principal conductor Christoph Eschenbach, will be celebrating these historic events. Weber holds a special place in the life of the great German conductor and pianist, as Der Freischütz was the first opera he saw at the age of ten. Eschenbach is being joined in this program, which combines overtures, arias and the famous concert piece, by two artists who reside at the Konzerthaus Berlin and are also Alpha artists: soprano Anna Prohaska and pianist Martin Helmchen.

"Martin Helmchen has long been a favourite of mine amongst the glut of exceptional pianists we currently enjoy. He doesn't disappoint in the less well known Konzerstück. The frequent passage work, that can sometimes sound like an extended technical exercise, really glitters under his fingers. Anyone who has heard his recording of the Schubert second trio will know that he can do poetry and atmosphere as easily as glitter. Eschenbach provides able and sensitive accompaniment." (MusicWeb)

"In these performances with the admirable Konzerthaus Orchestra, what emerges above all is the uniquely glowing sound of Weber's orchestration, with its very special use of horns and winds." BBC Music

Tracks:

Ouvertüre „Beherrscher der Geister" (Rübezahl) D-Moll Op. 27
Konzertstück für Klavier und Orchester F-Moll Op. 79 (Larghetto affettuoso - Allegro passionato - Tempo di marcia - Presto assai)
Ouvertüre zur Oper "Der Freischütz" Op. 77
"Einst träumte meiner sel'gen Base" - Romanze, Rezitativ und Arie des Ännchen aus dem 3. Akt der Oper „Der Freischütz"
„Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen" - Ariette des Ännchen aus dem 2. Akt der Oper „Der Freischütz"
Ouvertüre zur Oper „Oberon"