Viktor Ullmann's "Der Sturz des Antichrist" is a profound and captivating exploration of chamber music, presented in a dramatic oratorio format. Composed in three acts, this 15-track album delves into themes of faith, struggle, and redemption, all wrapped in a rich tapestry of musical storytelling. The work is a testament to Ullmann's mastery of composition, showcasing his ability to weave intricate narratives through sound.
Recorded by the Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, this 2013 release under the CPO label spans an impressive 1 hour and 46 minutes, offering a deep dive into Ullmann's artistic vision. Each track, from "Warum sind wir gefangen?" to "Die Menge folgt dem Antichrist," is a standalone piece that contributes to the overarching narrative, making it a compelling listen from start to finish. The album is a powerful example of Ullmann's ability to blend musical complexity with thematic depth, resulting in a work that resonates long after the final notes fade away.
2013 CPO2013 (P) CPO
Tracks
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act I: "Warum sind wir gefangen?"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act I: "Ich kenne eure Gedanken"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act I: "Du gilst trotz deiner Jugend"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act I: "Du duldest nicht die Schöpfekraft des Ich"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act I: "Wir wollen diese Asche in die Kirche"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act II: "Du bringst kein Brot"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act II: "Doch nicht wie jene"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act II: "Jetzt darf ich sagen"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act II: "Sie lieben nicht dies Wort"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act II: "Bewahr das Wort in dir"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act III: "Bericht des Abendblatts"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act III: "Sonne, heiliges Gestirn"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act III: "Bestraft, weil er sich gegen mich verging"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act III: "Ich komme, Furst der Welt"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Der Sturz des Antichrist (The Fall of the Antichrist), Act III: "Die Menge folgt dem Antichrist"Viktor Ullmann, Ulrich Neuweiler, Richard Decker, William Oberholtzer, Louis Gentile, Monte Jaffe, Lassi Partanen, Bielefeld Opera Chorus, Bielefeld Philharmonic Orchestra, Rainer Koch
Vinylscout