Dive into the captivating world of Walter Braunfels' "Verkündigung," a rare and enchanting Christmas mystery play that comes to life in this live recording. Released on BR-Klassik in 2014, this chamber music masterpiece spans over two hours, offering an immersive experience of Braunfels' unique compositional style. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists and musicians, each bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. From the stirring overture to the dramatic final scenes, "Verkündigung" showcases Braunfels' mastery of storytelling through music, making it a standout piece in the classical repertoire. This recording, led by conductor Ulf Schirmer, captures the essence of Braunfels' work, providing a vivid and engaging listen. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to the genre, this album promises a rich and rewarding experience.
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act I Scene 1: Schon zu Ende, schon zu Ende! (Andreas, Mutter)Walter Braunfels, Robert Holl, Hanna Schwarz, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act I Scene 2: Geh' und sag' ihr, dass sie ihn nicht heiraten darf (Mara, Mutter)Walter Braunfels, Janina Baechle, Hanna Schwarz, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act I Scene 3: He, was erzahlst du mir da? (Andreas, Jakobaus, Mutter, Maids and Servants, Violaine, Mara)Walter Braunfels, Robert Holl, Adrian Eröd, Hanna Schwarz, Juliane Banse, Janina Baechle, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act II: O meine Braut im Blutenhag, sei mir gegrusst (Jakobaus, Violaine)Walter Braunfels, Adrian Eröd, Juliane Banse, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act III Scene 1: Fertig, der Konig kann kommen! (Sheriff of Rothenstein, First Worker, Peter's Assistant, Second Worker, Third Worker, First Woman, Mara, Second Woman, Chorus of Workers)Walter Braunfels, Wolfgang Klose, Johannes Stermann, Mauro Peter, Timo Janzen, Matthias Ettmayr, Jutta Bethsold, Janina Baechle, Sonja Philippin, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act III Scene 2: Wer ist's, der seine Schritte mit den Schritten der Aussatzigen zu vermengen wagt? (Violaine, Mara, Chorus of Angels, Crowd)Walter Braunfels, Juliane Banse, Janina Baechle, Vanessa Goikoetxea, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 1: Ich war es, ich habe sie umgebracht! (Mara)Walter Braunfels, Janina Baechle, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 2: Wie, offen? Ist das Haus leer, dass alle Turen offenstehen? (Andreas)Walter Braunfels, Robert Holl, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 3: Halloh, halloh! (Peter, Jakobaus)Walter Braunfels, Matthias Klink, Adrian Eröd, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Verkundigung, Op. 50: Act IV Scene 4: Wo bin ich, und wer ist hier? (Violaine, Jakobaus, Peter, Chorus, Andreas)Walter Braunfels, Juliane Banse, Adrian Eröd, Matthias Klink, Robert Holl, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Munich Radio Orchestra, Ulf Schirmer
Walter Braunfels, born in Frankfurt am Main in 1882, was a multifaceted German artist who made significant contributions as a composer, pianist, and music educator. His career blossomed in the 1920s and 1930s, during which he gained prominence in Germany's musical landscape. Braunfels' compositions span various genres, with a notable focus on chamber music. His prolific output includes his magnum opus, "Das Spiel von der Auferstehung des Herrn," completed just before his death in Cologne in 1954. Despite facing the adversity of having his music banned during a tumultuous period in history, Braunfels' legacy endures, offering listeners a rich tapestry of musical expression that reflects his deep artistic vision and technical prowess.
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Walter Braunfels
