Alban Berg's groundbreaking opera, Wozzeck, is a masterpiece of 20th-century music. Composed between 1914 and 1922, this iconic work premiered in 1925 and has since been widely acclaimed for its innovative use of atonality and thematic developments. Based on Georg Büchner's incomplete drama, Woyzeck, Berg's opera is a powerful exploration of the human condition.
This 2002 recording, released on the Naxos label, features a talented cast, including Carl Johan Falkman as Wozzeck and Katarina Dalayman as Marie, under the baton of conductor Leif Segerstam. With its highly intelligent cast and internationally renowned conductor, this production is a must-listen for fans of opera and classical music.
Wozzeck is an opera that has been remarkably well-represented on record, with numerous recordings available. However, this particular production stands out for its exceptional quality and value. At just under 1 hour and 40 minutes in duration, this album is a concise and compelling interpretation of Berg's masterpiece.
With its complex characters, haunting melodies, and dramatic plot twists, Wozzeck is an opera that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Alban Berg's innovative composition and the talented cast's performances make this recording a standout in the world of opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or just discovering the genre, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2002 Naxos2002 Naxos
Tracks
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act I Scene 1: The Captain's roomAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act I Scene 2: Open field outside the townAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act I Scene 3: Marie's roomAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act I Scene 4: The Doctor's studyAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act I Scene 5: Street in front of Marie's doorAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act II, IntroductionAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act II Scene 1: Marie's roomAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act II Scene 2: Street in townAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act II Scene 3: Street in front of Marie's doorAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act II Scene 4: Tavern GardenAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act II Scene 5: Guardroom in the barracksAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act III Scene 1: Marie's roomAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act III Scene 2: Forest path by a poolAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act III Scene 3: TavernAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act III Scene 4: Forest path by a poolAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Wozzeck, Op. 7: Act III Scene 5: Street in front of Marie's doorAlban Berg, Katarina Dalayman, Klas Hedlund, Lennard Stregard, Marianne Eklof, Carl Johan Falkman, Ulrik Qvale, Sten Wahlund, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leif Segerstam
Alban Berg, a pivotal figure of the Second Viennese School, is renowned for his unique compositional style that seamlessly blends Romantic lyricism with the innovative twelve-tone technique. Born Alban Maria Johannes Berg, this Austrian composer left an indelible mark on 20th-century music despite his relatively small output. His works, such as the "Three Pieces for Orchestra," "Lyric Suite," and the poignant "Violin Concerto," are celebrated for their profound emotional depth and structural complexity. Berg's compositions often explore "entire worlds of emotion and structure," making each piece a journey of discovery. His collaboration with Arnold Schoenberg, whom he studied under from 1904 to 1910, significantly influenced his musical development. Berg's operatic works, including his masterpiece "Wozzeck," are particularly notable for their expressive power and psychological insight. Whether you're exploring his orchestral works, chamber music, or vocal compositions, Berg's music promises an immersive experience that resonates long after the final note.
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Alban Berg
