Berg: Wozzeck, Op. 7

Alban Berg's masterpiece, Berg: Wozzeck, Op. 7, is a powerful and moving opera that explores the despair and madness of its central character. Composed between 1917 and 1922, this expressionistic work is based on the unfinished play Woyzeck by Georg Büchner and is widely regarded as one of the greatest 20th-century operas. The album, released on 13 January 2017 by Naxos, features a live recording of the opera, performed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Hans Graf.

This critically acclaimed recording won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording and the ECHO Klassik award for Best Opera Recording (20th/21st Century Opera). The opera itself is a brutal and uncompromising portrayal of everyday life in a rural German-speaking town, tackling prominent themes of militarism, callousness, social exploitation, and casual sadism.

With its intricate connection between music and drama, Berg: Wozzeck, Op. 7 is a testament to Alban Berg's innovative and influential compositional style. The album features 16 tracks, including 'Langsam, Wozzeck, langsam!' and 'Ringel, Ringel, Rosenkranz, Ringelreih'n!', showcasing the opera's dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Lasting 1 hour and 37 minutes, this recording is a must-listen for fans of opera and 20th-century classical music. Alban Berg's Wozzeck is a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its haunting beauty and unflinching portrayal of the human condition.

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.