Dive into the rich and evocative world of Hanns Eisler with this captivating collection of chamber cantatas and songs. Released in 2013, this album showcases the versatility and depth of Eisler's compositional genius, spanning a variety of genres and moods. Eisler, renowned for his contributions to the national anthem of East Germany, offers a diverse repertoire that reflects his multifaceted career as a composer, pedagogue, and collaborator in the workers' music movement.
The album features a selection of Eisler's chamber cantatas, each a miniature masterpiece that explores themes of social commentary, personal reflection, and historical narrative. From the introspective "Kammerkantate No. 3, 'Die römische Kantate'" to the poignant "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen," these works are a testament to Eisler's ability to weave complex emotions and ideas into compelling musical forms. The inclusion of "Two Sonnets, Op. 54" and "2 Elegien" adds a lyrical touch, showcasing Eisler's mastery of vocal and instrumental textures.
Performances by renowned artists such as Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, and David Smeyers bring these compositions to life with sensitivity and precision. The album's duration of 59 minutes ensures a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Eisler's musical legacy, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're familiar with Eisler's work or discovering it for the first time, this album promises a rewarding listening experience.
2013 CPO2013 CPO
Tracks
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": I. Das grosse RomHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": II. Der GestankHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": III. Woher kommt er?Hanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 3, "Die romische Kantate": IV. Die AngstHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 4, "Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andern": I. Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andernHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 4, "Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andern": II. Niemand lebt in der GegenwartHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 4, "Man lebt vom einen Tage zu dem andern": III. Man soll nicht wartenHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 5, "Kriegskantate": I. Das Land ist nicht meht das alte LandHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 5, "Kriegskantate": II. Armes Volk, dessen LeidensfahigkeitHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 7, "Die den Mund auf hatten": No. 1. Die den Mund aufhattenHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 7, "Die den Mund auf hatten": No. 2. Ihre Faulnis ist so grossHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 7, "Die den Mund auf hatten": No. 3. Sie glauben an ihnHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": I. Die NachrichtHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": II. Die VerhaftungHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": III. Die ErmordungHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 8, "Kantate auf den Tod eines Genossen": IV. Der NachruhmHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 9, "Zuchthauskantate": I. Angelo Landon wurde mit einundzwanzig JahrenHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 9, "Zuchthauskantate": II. Lange Zeit horte man auf den MeetingsHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 9, "Zuchthauskantate": III. Georgia Prison SongHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
2 Sonette, Op. 54: No. 1. Der Gott und die BajadereHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers
2 Sonette, Op. 54: No. 2. Die BurgschaftHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers
2 Elegien: No. 1. In die Stadte kam ich…Hanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Paulo Alvares
2 Elegien: No. 2. Ihr, die Ihr Auftauchen werdet…Hanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: I. IntroductionHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: II. Barcarole: Wir freun uns sehrHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: III. Recitativo drammatico: Gezeugt in ParisHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kantate zu Herrn Meyers ersten Geburtstag: IV. Wiegenlied: Schlafen sie ruhig, Herr MeierHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Gabriele Roller, Paulo Alvares
Kammerkantate No. 2, "Die Weissbrotkantate": I. Bei der Betrachtung eines kirchlichen GemaldesHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 2, "Die Weissbrotkantate": II. Die wahre Geschichte von San BerardoHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Kammerkantate No. 2, "Die Weissbrotkantate": III. Abschliessende BemerkungHanns Eisler, Monika Moldenhauer, Beate Zelinsky, David Smeyers, Gabriele Roller, Cornelius Hummel
Hanns Eisler, born in Leipzig in 1898, was a prolific German-Austrian composer whose life and work spanned continents and ideologies. Known for his unwavering commitment to his Communist beliefs, Eisler's music reflects his political convictions and his deep artistic collaboration with playwright Bertolt Brecht. His most enduring legacy is the national anthem of East Germany, a powerful testament to his ability to capture the spirit of a nation. Eisler's musical journey began under the tutelage of Arnold Schoenberg, from whom he absorbed the principles of serialism. His compositions range from expressionist works that blend humor with angst to more structured pieces that pay homage to traditional forms. Beyond his political anthems and film scores, Eisler's catalog includes a variety of chamber and vocal works, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer. His influence endures, with the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin named in his honor, celebrating his enduring impact on music education and the broader musical landscape.
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Hanns Eisler
