Korngold: Much Ado About Nothing & Sinfonietta

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Erich Wolfgang Korngold with this captivating album, featuring two of his most celebrated works: "Much Ado About Nothing" and the "Sinfonietta in B Major." This recording, released in November 2013 under the Ondine label, offers a rich and diverse listening experience that spans over an hour and twenty-seven minutes.

Korngold, an Austrian composer and conductor, fled Europe in the mid-1930s and later adopted US nationality, bringing his unique musical vision to a new continent. His compositions, including those featured on this album, showcase his mastery of orchestration and his ability to blend classical traditions with innovative techniques.

"Much Ado About Nothing," Op. 11, is a delightful suite based on Shakespeare's comedy of the same name. The suite is divided into fourteen sections, each capturing a different mood and scene from the play. From the lively "Ouverture" to the playful "Holzapfel und Schlehwein (Marsch der Wache)" and the tender "Lied des Balthasar," Korngold's music brings the characters and their adventures to life with vivid detail and charm.

The "Sinfonietta in B Major," Op. 5, is a four-movement work that showcases Korngold's early compositional style. The piece begins with a lively and energetic "Fliessend, mit heiterem Schwunge," followed by a fiery "Scherzo: Molto agitato, rasch und feuerig." The third movement, "Molto andante (traumerisch)," offers a more introspective and dreamy atmosphere, while the finale, "Patetico - Allegro giocoso," brings the work to a triumphant close.

Under the baton of conductor Mati Turi, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra delivers a stunning performance, bringing out the full richness and depth of Korngold's scores. The album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Korngold's music and a wonderful introduction to his unique musical language.