Te Deum - Motetten - Otto Nicolai

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and powerful choral works of Otto Nicolai with the album "Te Deum - Motetten." Released on January 1, 1996, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to Nicolai's mastery of sacred music. The Krakow Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of Roland Bader and Konrad Haenisch, deliver a breathtaking performance that showcases the grandeur and spiritual depth of Nicolai's compositions.

The album features the complete "Te Deum" in 15 movements, a traditional hymn of praise and thanksgiving, along with two additional psalms and a setting of the Gloria. Each track is a testament to Nicolai's ability to blend sacred text with rich, harmonious melodies. The "Te Deum" opens with the triumphant "Te deum laudamus" and continues through movements that evoke awe, reverence, and solemnity, culminating in the powerful "Aeterna fac" and the pleading "Miserere."

The album also includes two psalms, "Psalm 97 'Der Herr ist König'" and "Psalm 31 'Herr, auf Dich traue ich'," as well as the joyous "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe." These additional pieces further demonstrate Nicolai's versatility and his deep understanding of sacred music.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, "Te Deum - Motetten" is a profound and uplifting journey through some of Nicolai's most significant choral works. Whether you are a fan of classical music, sacred choral works, or simply appreciate the beauty of the human voice, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 januari 1996

℗ 1996 Universal Music Classics & Jazz, a division of Universal Music GmbH

About Otto Nicolai

Otto Nicolai, born Carl Otto Ehrenfried Nicolai, was a prolific German composer and conductor, renowned for his significant contributions to the world of opera and orchestral music. Born in Königsberg, East Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia) in 1810, Nicolai's legacy endures through his operatic masterpiece, "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor" (The Merry Wives of Windsor), an adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy. This opera, his most celebrated work, stands out as the only one of his operas composed in German, with his earlier works penned in Italian. Beyond his operatic achievements, Nicolai's repertoire includes lieder, orchestral works, choral compositions, and pieces for various ensembles and solo instruments. His influence extends to his role as one of the founders of the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in classical music history. Nicolai's life, though brief, left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, making him a composer whose works continue to captivate audiences worldwide.