Ullmann: Der Kaiser von Atlantis; Hölderlin-Lieder

Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful and profound world of Viktor Ullmann's "Der Kaiser von Atlantis; Hölderlin-Lieder," a 1994 release from Decca Music Group Ltd. This captivating album is a testament to Ullmann's genius, blending opera and lieder in a way that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating.

The centerpiece of the album is "Der Kaiser von Atlantis," an opera that Ullmann composed and wrote the libretto for while imprisoned in Theresienstadt concentration camp. The opera is a powerful anti-war statement, with its story of a emperor who declares war on death itself. The music is rich and complex, with a blend of modernist and traditional elements that create a sound world that is both familiar and unsettling.

The album also features Ullmann's "Hölderlin-Lieder," a set of songs based on the poems of Friedrich Hölderlin. These songs are a study in contrast to the opera, with their intimate, lyrical style and deeply personal expressions of love, loss, and longing.

The performances on this album are outstanding, with a stellar cast of singers and the Gewandhausorchester under the direction of Lothar Zagrosek. The sound is rich and detailed, with a warm, natural tone that brings out the best in both the music and the performances.

With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you are a fan of opera, lieder, or simply great music, "Der Kaiser von Atlantis; Hölderlin-Lieder" is sure to leave a lasting impression.