Gurlitt, M.: Goya-Sinfonie / 4 Dramatic Songs

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Manfred Gurlitt's "Goya-Sinfonie (Goya-Symphony) / 4 Dramatic Songs," a compelling blend of orchestral and vocal masterpieces. This album, released in 2008 by Phoenix Edition, showcases the remarkable talent of Manfred Gurlitt, a German opera composer and conductor who studied under the renowned Engelbert Humperdinck.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Goya-Sinfonie," a four-movement symphony that draws inspiration from the vivid and dramatic paintings of Francisco Goya. Each movement vividly depicts a different scene, from the lively "La Pradera de San Isidro" to the somber "Execution of Rebels." The symphony culminates in a series of variations that showcase Gurlitt's mastery of orchestration and thematic development.

Complementing the symphony are four dramatic songs, each setting a different poetic text to music. These songs, performed by the talented soprano Christiane Oelze, range from the playful "Du Hundchen aus Purpur, aus Safran" to the deeply moving "Ach neige, du Schmerzenreiche." The songs are accompanied by the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, conducted by Antony Beaumont, who also leads the orchestra in the symphony.

With a total duration of 68 minutes, this album offers a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you are a fan of orchestral music, vocal performances, or the works of Manfred Gurlitt, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.