Dive into the profound and intricate world of classical music with Pierre Boulez's latest masterpiece, "Boulez A-Z: Wagner - Webern." This monumental collection, set for release on January 24, 2025, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, is a testament to Boulez's unparalleled mastery and innovative approach to conducting and interpreting classical works. Spanning over three hours and twenty-eight minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through the works of Richard Wagner and Anton Webern, two titans of the classical music canon.
The album opens with a rich selection from Wagner's "Das Rheingold," the first opera in the Ring Cycle, followed by excerpts from "Die Walküre," the second opera in the cycle. Boulez's meticulous attention to detail and his avant-garde approach bring a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces, making them accessible and captivating for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The inclusion of Wagner's works is not just a nod to his influence but also a celebration of his enduring legacy in the world of classical music.
In addition to Wagner, the album features works by Anton Webern, a composer known for his groundbreaking contributions to the atonal and serial music movements. Webern's intricate and innovative compositions are presented with Boulez's signature precision and depth, offering a unique insight into the composer's genius.
This album is a true labor of love, showcasing Pierre Boulez's unparalleled skill and dedication to the art of conducting. With its rich and diverse selection of pieces, "Boulez A-Z: Wagner - Webern" is an essential addition to any classical music collection, offering a deep and rewarding listening experience. Whether you are a long-time fan of Boulez's work or a newcomer to the world of classical music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Das Rheingold: PreludeRichard Wagner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 1: Weia! Waga! Woge du Welle!Richard Wagner, Norma Sharp, Ilse Gramatzki, Marga Schiml, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 1: Garstig glatter glitschriger Glimmer!Richard Wagner, Norma Sharp, Ilse Gramatzki, Marga Schiml, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 1: Wallala! Lalaleia! Leialalei!Richard Wagner, Norma Sharp, Ilse Gramatzki, Marga Schiml, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 1: Lugt, Schwestern! Die Weckerin lacht in den GrundRichard Wagner, Norma Sharp, Ilse Gramatzki, Marga Schiml, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 1: Der Welt Erbe gewänn' ich zu eigen durch dich?Richard Wagner, Norma Sharp, Ilse Gramatzki, Marga Schiml, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 1: Orchestral InterludeRichard Wagner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Wotan! Gemahl! Erwache!Richard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Nur Wonne schafft dir, was mich erschreckt ?Richard Wagner, Carmen Reppel, Hanna Schwarz, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Sanft schloß Schlaf dein Aug'Richard Wagner, Carmen Reppel, Donald McIntyre, Fritz Hübner, Matti Salminen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Zu mir, Freia!Richard Wagner, Carmen Reppel, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Fritz Hübner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Endlich, Loge!Richard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Matti Salminen, Fritz Hübner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Immer ist Undank Loges Lohn!Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Fritz Hübner, Matti Salminen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Taugte wohl des goldenen TandesRichard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Fritz Hübner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Hör', Wotan, der Harrenden Wort!Richard Wagner, Carmen Reppel, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Fritz Hübner, Matti Salminen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Jetzt fand ichsRichard Wagner, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Hanna Schwarz, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 2: Transformation SceneRichard Wagner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Hehe! hieher! Tückischer Zwerg! – Schau, du Schelm!Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Helmut Pampuch, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Wer hälfe mir?Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Helmut Pampuch, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Mit eurem GefrageRichard Wagner, Helmut Pampuch, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Was wollt ihr hier?Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Habt acht! Habt acht!Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Riesenwurm, winde sich ringelnd!Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 3: Transformation SceneRichard Wagner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Da, Vetter, sitze du fest!Richard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Wohlan, die Nibelungen rief ich mir nahRichard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Zu deiner Lösung mußt du ihn lassenRichard Wagner, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Bin ich nun frei?Richard Wagner, Hermann Becht, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Lauschtest du seinem Liebesgruß?Richard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Halt! Nicht sie berührt!Richard Wagner, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Matti Salminen, Fritz Hübner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Nicht so leicht und locker gefügt!Richard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Fritz Hübner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Freia, die schöne, schau' ich nicht mehrRichard Wagner, Carmen Reppel, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Donald McIntyre, Heinz Zednik, Martin Egel, Fritz Hübner, Matti Salminen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Weiche, Wotan, weiche!Richard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Ortrun Wenkel, Siegfried Jerusalem, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Hört, ihr Riesen!Richard Wagner, Carmen Reppel, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Fritz Hübner, Matti Salminen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Furchtbar nun erfind' ich des Fluches Kraft!Richard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Schwüles Gedünst schwebt in der LuftRichard Wagner, Martin Egel, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Zur Burg führt die BrückeRichard Wagner, Hanna Schwarz, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Das Rheingold, Scene 4: Rheingold! Rheingold! Reines Gold!Richard Wagner, Norma Sharp, Ilse Gramatzki, Marga Schiml, Heinz Zednik, Donald McIntyre, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 1: PreludeRichard Wagner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 1: Wes Herd dies auch, hier muss ich rastenRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 1: Kühlende Labung gab mir der QuellRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 2: Müd am Herd fand ich den MannRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Matti Salminen, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 2: Friedmund darf ich nicht heissenRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Matti Salminen, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 1: Aus dem Wald trieb es mich fortRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Matti Salminen, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 2: Ich weiß ein wildes GeschlechtRichard Wagner, Matti Salminen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 3: Ein Schwert verhiess mir der VaterRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 3: Der Männer Sippe sass hier im SaalRichard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 3: Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond – Du bist der Lenz – O süsseste Wonne!Richard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act I Scene 3: Wehwalt heisst du fürwahr?Richard Wagner, Peter Hofmann, Jeannine Altmeyer, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Die Walküre, Act II Scene 1: Nun zäume dein Ross, reisige MaidRichard Wagner, Donald McIntyre, Gwyneth Jones, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Pierre Boulez, a titan of 20th-century music, left an indelible mark on the classical world as a composer, conductor, and pedagogue. Born in Montbrison, France, in 1925, Boulez's influence extended far beyond his compositions, shaping the way we think about and experience music itself. As a conductor, he championed the works of his contemporaries and inspired generations of musicians. His avant-garde compositions, though rarely performed, are a testament to his innovative spirit and enduring legacy. Boulez's impact is not just in his music but also in the institutions he founded and the minds he inspired, making him one of the most dominant figures in post-war contemporary classical music.