Claudio Abbado, the celebrated Italian conductor, invites you to explore a rich and diverse musical journey with his album "Abbado A-Z: Vivaldi - Wagner + Galas & Recitals." Released on May 5, 2023, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this collection spans over five hours of captivating performances that blend classical elegance with operatic grandeur.
The album opens with Antonio Vivaldi's iconic "The Four Seasons," a baroque masterpiece that showcases Abbado's mastery in interpreting the intricate and vivid compositions of the Venetian composer. Each concerto, from the lively "Spring" to the dramatic "Winter," is performed with precision and passion, bringing to life the vivid imagery and emotions that Vivaldi intended.
The second half of the album delves into the world of Richard Wagner, featuring excerpts from some of his most renowned operas. Abbado's conducting brings out the depth and intensity of Wagner's music, from the haunting beauty of "Tristan und Isolde" to the majestic power of "Die Walküre." The inclusion of live recordings from the Philharmonie in Berlin adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement to the performances.
In addition to these highlights, the album also includes selections from Wagner's "Parsifal," "Lohengrin," "Tannhäuser," and "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg," as well as Vivaldi's "Concerto in G Minor, RV 577 'Per l'Orchestra di Dresda.'" Each piece is performed with Abbado's signature clarity and emotional resonance, making this album a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest conductors of our time.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Abbado A-Z: Vivaldi - Wagner + Galas & Recitals" offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the works of Vivaldi and Wagner, as interpreted by the incomparable Claudio Abbado.
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269 "Spring": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269 "Spring": II. Largo e pianissimo sempreAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269 "Spring": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315 "Summer": I. Allegro non molto - AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315 "Summer": II. Adagio e piano - Presto e forteAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315 "Summer": III. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293 "Autumn": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293 "Autumn": II. Adagio moltoAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293 "Autumn": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": I. Allegro non molto - AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Concerto in G Minor, RV 577 "Per l'Orchestra di Dresda": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Marieke Blankestijn, Douglas Boyd, Matthew Wilkie, Christoph Marks, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Concerto in G Minor, RV 577 "Per l'Orchestra di Dresda": II. Largo non moltoAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Marieke Blankestijn, Douglas Boyd, Matthew Wilkie, Christoph Marks, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
Concerto in G Minor, RV 577 "Per l'Orchestra di Dresda": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Viktoria Mullova, Marieke Blankestijn, Douglas Boyd, Matthew Wilkie, Christoph Marks, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269 "Spring": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269 "Spring": II. Largo e pianissimo sempreAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8/1, RV 269 "Spring": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315 "Summer": I. Allegro non molto - AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315 "Summer": II. Adagio e piano - Presto e forteAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Summer, Violin Concerto in G Minor, RV 315, Op. 8 No. 2: III. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293 "Autumn": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293 "Autumn": II. Adagio moltoAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8/3, RV 293 "Autumn": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": I. Allegro non molto - AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297 "Winter": III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Gidon Kremer, Leslie Pearson, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Tannhäuser, WWV 70: OvertureRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111: PreludeRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act III Suite (Ed. Abbado): Karfreitagszauber "Good Friday Music"Richard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act III Suite (Ed. Abbado): Verwandlungsmusik "Transformation Music"Richard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act III Suite (Ed. Abbado): Procession. RitterzugRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, Swedish Radio Choir, Simon Halsey
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act III Suite (Ed. Abbado): Final Chorus. SchlusschorRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado, Swedish Radio Choir, Simon Halsey
Tristan und Isolde, WWV 90, Act I: PreludeRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Tristan und Isolde, WWV 90, Act III: Liebestod (Concert Version)Richard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Der fliegende Holländer, WWV 63: OvertureRichard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Der fliegende Holländer, Act I: Die Frist ist um – Wie oft in Meeres tiefsten Schlund (Concert Version)Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96, Act III: Wahn! Wahn! Überall Wahn!Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96, Act II: Was duftet doch der FliederRichard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Tannhäuser, WWV 70, Act III: Wie Todesahnung - O du mein holder Abendstern "Oh Star of Eve"Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act I: Nein! Lasst ihn unenthülltRichard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Parsifal, WWV 111, Act III: Ja, Wehe! Weh' über mich!Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Die Walküre, Act III Scene 3: Leb wohl – Loge hör! "Wotan's Farewell & Magic Fire Music"Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Tannhäuser, WWV 70: Overture - Concert Version, Live at Philharmonie, Berlin, 1993Richard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Tannhäuser, WWV 70, Act II: Dich, teure Halle, grüß ich wiederRichard Wagner, Cheryl Studer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Tannhäuser, WWV 70, Act III: Wie Todesahnung - O du mein holder Abendstern "Oh Star of Eve"Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Lohengrin, WWV 75, Act II Scene 2: Duet. In ferner Einsamkeit des Waldes - Um Gott, was klagest du mich anRichard Wagner, Cheryl Studer, Waltraud Meier, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96: Overture (Prelude)Richard Wagner, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96, Act II: Was duftet doch der FliederRichard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Die Walküre, WWV 86B, Act I: Dich selige Frau - Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond ... Siegmund, den WälsungRichard Wagner, Waltraud Meier, Siegfried Jerusalem, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
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