Richard Flury's final opera, "Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis," is a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, wrapped in a comedic and engaging narrative. This world premiere recording, released by Toccata Classics, offers a unique opportunity to experience the last opera composed by the Swiss maestro before his passing in 1967.
"Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis," which translates to "Lustful Brother Vitalis," is a clever and humorous take on the dangers of celibacy. The opera follows the titular character, a monk who preaches piety and clean living, as he grapples with his own repressed desires. Based on a novella by Gottfried Keller, the story is set against the backdrop of jolly village life, creating a delightful contrast with the religious themes at its core.
The opera is presented in five acts, with each scene meticulously composed to bring the story to life. The recording features an impressive cast, including Rebecca Nelsen, Marlene Gassner, Matthias Stier, and Markus Eiche, accompanied by the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paul Mann. The performance is a testament to Flury's compositional prowess and the skill of the performers.
With a runtime of approximately two hours, this recording is a substantial and engaging listen. It's an excellent addition to any classical music collection, offering a unique blend of comedy, drama, and insightful social commentary. Whether you're a fan of Richard Flury's work or simply appreciate well-crafted opera, "Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis" is sure to captivate and entertain.
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 1: Sinkende Sonne verlischt bald im MeereRichard Flury, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 1: Ob Heid, Ob Christ, Ob Bürger, Ob SoldatRichard Flury, Markus Eiche, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 2: Genug des Lärmens und des Tobens!Richard Flury, Christian Tschelebiew, Markus Eiche, Pascal Herington, Hayoung Ra, Ferdinand Keller, Roman Poboinyi, Paula Meisinger, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 2: Wie das Kätzchen auf dem DacheRichard Flury, Markus Eiche, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 3: Ja, JucundaRichard Flury, Marlene Gassner, Christian Tschelebiew, Markus Eiche, Pascal Herington, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 4: Quies in coeli et in terra, et in nomine Dei!Richard Flury, Matthias Stier, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Christian Tschelebiew, Markus Eiche, Roman Poboinyi, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 4: Ihr Leut'! Ein Trunk bis auf der Kanne GrundRichard Flury, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 4: Bravo, Mönch!Richard Flury, Markus Eiche, Matthias Stier, Roman Poboinyi, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 5: Aufzug der WacheRichard Flury, Hinrich Horn, Tijl Faveyts, Roman Poboinyi, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 5: Sinkende Sonne verlischt bald im MeereRichard Flury, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 6: O sancta Maria, gratia plena!Richard Flury, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act I, Scene 6: Wer klopft? Wer pocht zu später Zeit?Richard Flury, Marlene Gassner, Matthias Stier, Tijl Faveyts, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act II, Scene 7: Herein, Mann Gottes, keine Furcht!Richard Flury, Marlene Gassner, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act II, Scene 8: Lass mich, wiedriger Verfolger!Richard Flury, Rebecca Nelsen, Stephanie Bühlmann, Markus Eiche, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act III, Scene 9: Nun sage mir, erzähl' mir raschRichard Flury, Rebecca Nelsen, Stephanie Bühlmann, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act III, Scene 10: Sieh' da! Mein einzig Töchterlein spaziert am frühen MorgenRichard Flury, Kay Stiefermann, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act III, Scene 11: Herbei, Ihr Leut' und seht was so ein Heil'ger sei!Richard Flury, Markus Eiche, Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis Chorus, Christian Tschelebiew, Matthias Stier, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act III, Scene 12: Hilf Gott, der Abt Sebastian!Richard Flury, Matthias Stier, Markus Eiche, Tijl Faveyts, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act III, Scene 13: Freude, Freude, dass es so gekommenRichard Flury, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Rebecca Nelsen, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 14: Nimm diesen Beutel Goldes nochRichard Flury, Rebecca Nelsen, Marlene Gassner, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 15: Was, Fräulein, nun?Richard Flury, Stephanie Bühlmann, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 16: Es ist die dritte NachtRichard Flury, Matthias Stier, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 16: Hat das Gewissen endlich Dich gezwackt?Richard Flury, Rebecca Nelsen, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 16: In jener Nacht, da meine Dienerin mich heimgebracht!Richard Flury, Matthias Stier, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 16: Weiss selber nicht, wie mir geschah…Richard Flury, Rebecca Nelsen, Matthias Stier, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV, Scene 16: Wirf dies Kleid von Dir, GeliebterRichard Flury, Matthias Stier, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act IV: Intermezzo. LarghettoRichard Flury, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act V, Scene 17: Fest des Weines, Fest der RebenRichard Flury, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act V, Scene 18: Auf zum Trunke, auf zum Wein!Richard Flury, Christian Tschelebiew, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Daniel Ochoa, Kay Stiefermann, Matthias Stier, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Der schlimm-heilige Vitalis, Act V, Scene 19: Hoch Vitalis, hoch die BrautRichard Flury, Madrigal Choir of the Nuremberg University of Music, Kay Stiefermann, Matthias Stier, Rebecca Nelsen, Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Vinylscout
