Immerse yourself in the dramatic world of Othmar Schoeck's "Penthesilea, Op. 39," a captivating operatic work that showcases the composer's mastery of musical storytelling. Originally composed in 1925 and revised in 1927, this powerful piece is based on Heinrich von Kleist's tragic play of the same name, bringing to life the intense and complex characters of the ancient world.
This album, released in 2014 by Musiques Suisses, features a stellar cast of vocalists and the Sinfonieorchester Basel, conducted by Mario Venzago. With a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, the album comprises 30 tracks that delve into the intricacies of Schoeck's score, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
The opera unfolds with a series of vivid scenes, each bringing to life the turmoil and passion of its characters. From the battle music that opens the work to the haunting final scenes, Schoeck's music is both evocative and deeply moving. Highlights include the powerful "Auftritt" scenes, the tender "Liebesduett" between Penthesilea and Achilles, and the dramatic "Wahnsinn" scene that concludes the opera.
Othmar Schoeck's "Penthesilea, Op. 39" is a testament to his skill as a composer, blending rich orchestration with compelling vocal performances. Whether you are a fan of classical opera or simply appreciate powerful storytelling, this album offers a profound and engaging experience.
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 18: Niederlage und Abgang (Achilles)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, James Johnson, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 19: Fluch der Oberpriesterin (Oberpriesterin)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Ute Trekel-Burckhardt, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 20: Dialogfragment sowie Auftritt des Herolds (Prothoe, Penthesilea, Herold)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Renate Behle, Yvonne Naef, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 20: Penthesileas Fluch Teil 1Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 20: Penthesileas Fluch Teil 2Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 21: — (Achilles, Diomedes)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, James Johnson, Stuart Kale, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 21: Die Ermordung des Achilles und Ende des zweiten Teils der OperOthmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 22: Beginn der 2 Erzählung der Obersten (Obersten)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Ute Trekel-Burckhardt, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 24: Trauermarsch der Amazonen mit der Leiche des (Achilles)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, James Johnson, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 24: Schlussgesang (Penthelisea)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Yvonne Naef, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 24: Wahnsinn (Penthelisea)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Yvonne Naef, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Penthesilea, Op. 39, Scene 24: Monolog und Selbstmond (Penthelisea)Othmar Schoeck, Mario Venzago, Yvonne Naef, Sinfonieorchester Basel
Othmar Schoeck (1886-1957) was a prominent Swiss composer and conductor, celebrated for his contributions to the late-Romantic era. Born in Brunnen, Schoeck's musical journey was marked by a deep commitment to the art song, or lied, with over 400 songs to his credit. His compositions span a wide range of genres, including operas, choral works, and orchestral pieces, each imbued with a sensuous and stringent style that reflects his German-Austrian influences. Schoeck studied under Max Reger and conducted various choral societies and symphonies throughout his career. Despite his significant contributions, Schoeck remains relatively unknown outside of Switzerland, adding an air of discovery to his music. His works, now increasingly popular, offer a rich exploration of the human experience, making them a captivating addition to any music lover's collection.
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Othmar Schoeck
