Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Roberto Gerhard's "La Dueña," a captivating operatic work that showcases the composer's unique blend of Spanish folk influences and modernist techniques. Released in 1997 on the prestigious Chandos label, this album is a testament to Gerhard's mastery of musical storytelling.
"La Dueña" unfolds over three acts, each filled with intricate scenes and a diverse cast of characters. The opera's libretto, based on Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The Duenna," is brought to life through Gerhard's evocative score, which seamlessly weaves together elements of Spanish music with the dramatic intensity of opera.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists and the English Northern Philharmonia, conducted by Antoni Ros Marbá, who bring depth and nuance to each character and scene. The recording spans over two hours and twenty-eight minutes, providing a comprehensive journey through Gerhard's operatic vision.
From the opening scene of Act I, where the characters grapple with the complexities of love and deception, to the climactic moments of Act III, "La Dueña" is a richly layered exploration of human relationships and societal norms. The opera's melodrama and interludes add layers of intrigue and humor, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.
Roberto Gerhard's "La Dueña" is not just an opera; it is a vivid portrayal of a world filled with passion, intrigue, and the timeless struggles of the human heart. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating experience that highlights the genius of Roberto Gerhard and the enduring power of operatic storytelling.
1997 Chandos Records1997 Chandos Records
Tracks
La Dueña, Act I Scene 1: Ah! Devil take this plaguey string (Don Antonio, Donna Luisa, Servant, Two Brethren of Deadly Sin)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Susannah Glanville, David Owen-Lewis, Stephen Briggs, Bruce Budd
La Dueña, Act I Scene 1: What vagabonds are those I hear? (Don Jerome, Donna Luisa, Don Antonio, Two Brethren of Deadly Sin)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Susannah Glanville, David Owen-Lewis, Richard van Allen, Stephen Briggs, Bruce Budd
La Dueña, Act I Scene 2: Peace, booby, peace I say (Don Ferdinand, López)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Adrian Clarke, Jeremy Peaker
La Dueña, Act I Scene 2: Hey, Ferdinand, I say (Don Antonio, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Adrian Clarke
La Dueña, Act I Scene 3: But, my charming Duenna… (Donna Luisa, The Duenna)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville, Claire Powell
La Dueña, Act I Scene 3: I suppose you've been serenading too… (Don Jerome, Donna Luisa, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act I Scene 3: I'm astounded! (Don Jerome, The Duenna)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Claire Powell
La Dueña, Act I Scene 4: Clara! Clara, Clara! (Donna Luisa, Donna Clara)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville, Ann Taylor
La Dueña, Act I Scene 5: I tell thee, Father, … (Don Isaac, Father Paul, Donna Luisa)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Paul Wade, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act I Scene 5: Who's she? (Don Isaac, Donna Luisa, Father Paul, Don Ferdinand, Don Jerome, Gypsy, Beggars, Crowd, LadiesRoberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Richard van Allen, Paul Wade, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville, Denise Mulholland
La Dueña, Act II Scene 1: Donna Clara? (Don Jerome, Don Isaac)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Richard van Allen
La Dueña, Act II Scene 1: When a tender maid … (The Duenna, Don Isaac)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Claire Powell
La Dueña, Act II Scene 1: Well, my friend, have you softened her? (Don Jerome, Don Isaac, Don Ferdinand, López)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Jeremy Peaker
La Dueña, Act II: Melodrama and Interlude. Why, I must confess… (Don Jerome, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke
La Dueña, Act II Scene 2: Was ever truant daughter … (Donna Luisa)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act II Scene 3: Indeed, my good friend (Don Antonio, Don Isaac, Father Paul, Donna Luisa)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Susannah Glanville, Eric Roberts , Neill Archer, Paul Wade
La Dueña, Act III Scene 1: Jam est hora surgere (Don Antonio, Don Isaac, Father Paul, Two Brethren of Deadly Sin)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Neill Archer, Paul Wade, Stephen Briggs, Bruce Budd
La Dueña, Act III Scene 1: Antonio! Don Ferdinand is at the porch… (Donna Luisa, Don Isaac, Don Antonio, Don Ferdinand, Father PauRoberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Eric Roberts , Neill Archer, Paul Wade, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville
La Dueña, Act III Scene 1: Turn thee round I pray thee (Donna Luisa, Don Antonio, Father Paul, Donna Clara, Don Ferdinand)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Neill Archer, Paul Wade, Adrian Clarke, Susannah Glanville, Ann Taylor
La Dueña, Act III Scene 2: Why, I never was so amazed… (Don Jerome, Don Ferdinand, Donna Clara, López, Guests, Beggars, Chorus)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Ann Taylor, Jeremy Peaker, Chorus Of Opera North
La Dueña, Act III Scene 2: Don Isaac Mendoza (López, Don Isaac, Don Jerome, Donna Clara, Donna Luisa, Father Paul, Don Ferdinand,Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Ann Taylor, Susannah Glanville, Paul Wade, Eric Roberts
La Dueña, Act III Scene 2: Now come for dance and song… (Don Jerome, All)Roberto Gerhard, Antoni Ros Marbá, English Northern Philharmonia, Richard van Allen, Adrian Clarke, Ann Taylor, Susannah Glanville, Paul Wade, Eric Roberts
Roberto Gerhard, born in 1896 in Valls, Spain, was a composer whose musical journey spanned two nations and a wealth of influences. With Germanic parents, Gerhard's early musical training in his native Catalonia was marked by studies with the renowned pianist Enrique Granados and the esteemed composer Felipe Pedrell, who ignited his passion for Catalan folk music. His compositional style was further shaped by his studies with Arnold Schoenberg, reflecting a blend of Catalan tradition and modernist innovation. Gerhard's exile from Spain led him to a prolific career in Britain, where he composed for theater, radio, and film, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to captivate audiences today. His works, such as the Violin Concerto, showcase his unique voice and enduring appeal. Gerhard passed away in Cambridge in 1970, leaving behind a body of work that stands as a testament to his artistic vision and cultural heritage.
Vinylscout
Roberto Gerhard
