Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Richard Strauss' "Des Esels Schatten," brought to life by the incomparable Andreas Kohn and a stellar cast of performers. This 1997 release, originally on Deutsche Grammophon, is a captivating exploration of Strauss' operatic genius, based on Christoph Martin Wieland's novel "Die Abderiten." The album features a rich tapestry of vocal and orchestral performances, with Andreas Kohn delivering a standout performance as Struthion, alongside notable artists such as Peter Ustinov, Bodil Arnesen, and Eberhard Büchner.
The narrative, penned by Hans Adler, is orchestrated and completed by Karl Haussner, ensuring a faithful and compelling adaptation of Wieland's satirical tale. The Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester Berlin, conducted by Karl Anton Rickenbacher, provides a lush and dynamic musical backdrop, elevating the storytelling to new heights. The album's duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes is filled with intricate duets, trios, and choruses that showcase Strauss' mastery of composition and his ability to weave complex narratives through music.
"Des Esels Schatten" is a testament to Strauss' enduring legacy and his unique contribution to the operatic canon. The 1997 recording, with its meticulous attention to detail and stellar performances, offers a rich and immersive experience for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those new to Strauss' work. The album's tracklist, featuring a mix of preludes, arias, duets, trios, and choruses, provides a comprehensive overview of the opera's dramatic and musical depth. Whether you're a fan of Strauss' work or simply looking to explore the world of opera, this album is a compelling and engaging listen.
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: Prelude "Der Froschgraben"Richard Strauss, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Im 5. Jahrhundert vor Christus..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 1 Duett Antrax/StruthionRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Andreas Kohn, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Der Horizont flimmerte..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 2 Duett Antrax/StruthionRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Andreas Kohn, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Szenenwechsel. Der Gerichtssaal..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 3 Lied des PhilippidesRichard Strauss, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Als die Musik aufhörte..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 4 Duett Physignatus/PolyphonusRichard Strauss, Clemens Bieber, Ralf Lukas, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Szenenwechsel. Die Werkstatt..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 5 Lied des KenteterionRichard Strauss, Oskar Hillebrandt, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Es klopft an der Tür..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 6 Terzett Physignatus/Kenteterion/StruthionRichard Strauss, Clemens Bieber, Oskar Hillebrandt, Andreas Kohn, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Im belaubten Hain..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 7 Terzett Antrax/Krobyle/GorgoRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Mette Ejsing, Bodil Arnesen, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Krobyle meldet sich..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 8a Arietta GorgoRichard Strauss, Bodil Arnesen, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Antrax ist etwas..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 8b Terzett Antrax/Krobyle/GorgoRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Mette Ejsing, Bodil Arnesen, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Der Schwerpunkt der Handlung..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 9 Pantomime der Frösche und StörcheRichard Strauss, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Kurze Zeit später..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 10 ChorRichard Strauss, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Phillippides, der Richter..."Peter Ustinov
No.11a Zwischenspiel - No.11b ChorPeter Ustinov, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Struthion zur Linken..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 12 Ansprache des PhilippidesRichard Strauss, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Phillippides setzt sich..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 13 FinaleRichard Strauss, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
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