Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of E.T.A. Hoffmann with this captivating album, "Hoffmann: Arlequin, AV 41 & Overtures." Released on October 26, 1999, under the CPO label, this collection offers a unique blend of orchestral and dramatic works that showcase Hoffmann's distinctive style and storytelling prowess.
The album opens with a selection from "Das Kreuz an der Ostsee, AV 20," featuring an overture and sinfonia that set the stage for the dramatic narrative to follow. The "March of the Teutonic Knights" adds a historical and cultural dimension to the composition.
The heart of the album is the extensive suite from "Arlequin, AV 41," a work that brings to life the colorful characters and intricate plot of the commedia dell'arte tradition. Each of the eighteen movements paints a vivid picture, from the frenetic "Dance of the Furies" to the playful "Maestoso. Conjuring" and the dramatic "Dottore Beats Up Scaramouche." The suite is a masterclass in orchestral storytelling, with each movement contributing to the overall narrative.
The album concludes with overtures from "Der Trank der Unsterblichkeit, AV 34" and "Liebe und Eifersucht, AV 33," providing a satisfying culmination to this musical journey. With a total runtime of 59 minutes, this album is a concise yet rich exploration of Hoffmann's musical genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Hoffmann's work, this album offers a compelling and enjoyable listening experience.
1999 CPO1999 CPO
Tracks
Das Kreuz an der Ostsee, AV 20, Act I: OvertureE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Das Kreuz an der Ostsee, AV 20: SinfoniaE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Das Kreuz an der Ostsee, AV 20: March of the Teutonic KnightsE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: I. Dance of the Furies. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: II. Indicates That They Have Lost the Belt. AndanteE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: III. Maestoso. ConjuringE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: IV. Arlequin Comes. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: V. Tempo di menuettoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: VI. Harlequin in a Faint. Adagio ma non troppoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: VII. Is Well. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: VIII. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: IX. Dottore and Scaramouch. Allegro moderatoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: X. Barbiere Comes. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XI. Dottore Beats Up Scaramouche. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XII. Pierrot Comes. Allegro moderatoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XIII. Pantalone and Dottore Come. Allegro moderatoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XIV. Looks Around and Knocks. AllegroE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XV. AllegrettoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XVI. Pierrot Runs Off. Allegro moltoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XVII. Pierrot Is Afraid and Grabs the Bottle. AndanteE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XVIII. ModeratoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XIX. ModeratoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Arlequin, AV 41: XX. AllegrettoE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Der Trank der Unsterblichkeit, AV 34: OvertureE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki
Liebe und Eifersucht, AV 33: OvertureE.T.A. Hoffmann, German Chamber Academy Neuss, Johannes Goritzki