Immerse yourself in the profound and haunting world of Bernd Alois Zimmermann's "Die Soldaten," a monumental work that transcends the boundaries of traditional requiem music. Released on January 1, 2007, by the esteemed label Wergo, this album is a testament to Zimmermann's innovative compositional style and his ability to evoke deep emotional and intellectual responses.
Spanning an impressive 1 hour and 52 minutes, "Die Soldaten" is a sprawling, multi-movement piece that draws listeners into a dramatic and introspective journey. The album is structured around the acts and scenes of Zimmermann's opera of the same name, each segment offering a unique blend of musical textures and thematic depth. From the haunting "Preludio" that opens the work to the intense and rhythmic "Ciacona" movements, every track is a masterclass in compositional technique and emotional resonance.
Zimmermann's use of complex, layered structures and his incorporation of diverse musical elements create a rich and immersive listening experience. The album's requiem-like qualities are evident in its somber tones and reflective passages, but "Die Soldaten" is far from a conventional requiem. Instead, it is a work of profound originality, blending elements of opera, symphony, and contemporary classical music into a cohesive and powerful whole.
For those who appreciate the depth and complexity of classical music, "Die Soldaten" is an essential addition to any collection. Bernd Alois Zimmermann's masterful compositional skills are on full display in this extraordinary work, making it a standout piece in the contemporary classical repertoire. Whether you are a longtime fan of Zimmermann's music or a newcomer to his work, "Die Soldaten" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
(C) 2007 Wergo(P) 2007 Wergo
Tracks
Die Soldaten: PreludioBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I: IntroduzioneBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 1: StrofeBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Helga Jenckel, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 2: Ciacona IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Claudio Nicolai, Elisabeth Schärtel, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I: Tratto IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 3: Ricercari IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Anton de Ridder, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 4: Toccata IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Erich Winkelmann, Gerd Nienstedt, Willi Brokmeier, Heiner Horn, Albert Weikenmeier, Norman Paige, Hubert Möhler, Heribert Steinbach, Camillo Meghor, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act I Scene 5: Nocturno IBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II: IntroduzioneBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II Scene 1: Toccata IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Heiner Horn, Albert Weikenmeier, Erich Winkelmann, Willi Brokmeier, Norman Paige, Hubert Möhler, Heribert Steinbach, Claudio Nicolai, Camillo Meghor, Gerd Nienstedt, Karl Acher, Artur Korn, Klaus Bruch, Hans Franzen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II: IntermezzoBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act II Scene 2: Capriccio, Corale e Ciacona IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Anton de Ridder, Maura Moreira, Elisabeth Schärtel, Claudio Nicolai, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III: PreludioBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 1: RondinoBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Heiner Horn, Albert Weikenmeier, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 2: RappresentazioneBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Claudio Nicolai, Camillo Meghor, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 3: Ricercari IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Helga Jenckel, Edith Gabry, Camillo Meghor, Claudio Nicolai, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III: RomanzaBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 4: Nocturno IIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Liane Synek, Rolf Grohme, Willi Brokmeier, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act III Scene 5: TropiBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Helga Jenckel, Rolf Grohme, Liane Synek, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV: PreludioBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV Scene 1: Toccata IIIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Edith Gabry, Helga Jenckel, Liane Synek, Elisabeth Schärtel, Maura Moreira, Anton de Ridder, Willi Brokmeier, Albert Weikenmeier, Claudio Nicolai, Heiner Horn, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV Scene 2: Ciacona IIIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Camillo Meghor, Anton de Ridder, Claudio Nicolai, Michael Gielen
Die Soldaten, Act IV Scene 3: Nocturno IIIBernd Alois Zimmermann, Gürzenich Orchester Köln, Heiner Horn, Zoltan Kelemen, Michael Gielen
Vinylscout