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Weber: Der Freischütz – LSO Live

Weber: Der Freischütz

  • Catalogue Number LSO0726
    UPC 822231172628

    James Mallinson producer
    Jonathan Stokes and Neil Hutchinson for Classic Sound Ltd balance engineers

    Recorded live at the Barbican, April 2012

    DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording
    Notes in English / en français / auf Deutsch

  • BBC Radio 3 CD Review’s Disc of the Week
    ‘Davis and the cast are absolutely bewitching in the dark magic of the Wolf’s Glen scene.’

    Performance: **** Recording: ***** ‘The orchestral textures are pristine, the tempos and colours bracing and plaintive, with faultless work from clarinettist Chris Richards.’
    BBC Music Magazine

    ***** ‘One of the marvels of [Davis’] old age was the vitality he continued to bring to his music-making, combined with the wisdom of experience. Both are in evidence here, reinforcing Der Freischütz’s reputation as one of the most tuneful and psychologically profound operas in the repertoire.’
    Financial Times

    **** 'A thoroughly useful recording.'
    The Times

    **** ‘[Davis’] account of Weber’s score captures both its folkish ebullience and the Gothic horrors of the Wolf’s Glen scene.’
    The Times

    ‘A moving testament to the late Sir Colin Davis, as well as a thrilling performance in its own right.’
    The Observer

    ‘This release is a fitting tribute for a conductor who knew precisely what he wanted in terms of expression and colour, and who was blessed by having an orchestra – the LSO (of which he had been both Principal Conductor and President) – that could deliver it.’
    Classical Source

    ‘Weber at his most ingenious and Davis’ performance captures the music’s ominous and magical allure.’
    New York Times

£12.99

Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra


Weber's eerily fantastical Der Freischütz is heralded as one of the cornerstones of Romantic opera, being the first in operatic history to draw on traditional German folk tunes and elements of Romanticism. The evocative and colourful orchestration of the 'Wolf's Glen' scene, the most gruesomely expressive rendering of evil ever found in a musical score, is particularly impressive. Much of the music is instantly familiar: several of the melodies have been adapted as hymn tunes, and the Overture regularly appears in the concert hall. 


Composer   Weber
Conductor   Sir Colin Davis
Performers   London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Soloists   Christine Brewer, Sally Matthews, Simon O'Neill, Lars Woldt, Stephan Loges, Martin Snell, Gidon Saks, Marcus Farnsworth, Lucy Hall

Track list
Disc 1
1. Der Freischütz: Overture
2. Der Freischütz, Act I: Introduction - "Victoria!"
3. Der Freischütz, Act I: Terzett mit Chor - "O! diese Sonne"
4. Der Freischütz, Act I: Scene, Walzer und Arie - "Nein! Langer trag' ich nicht die Qualen"
5. Der Freischütz, Act I: Lied - "Hier im ird'schen Jammerthal"
6. Der Freischütz, Act I: Arie - "Schweig'!"
7. Der Freischütz, Act II: Duett - "Schelm! halt fest!"
8. Der Freischütz, Act II: Ariette - "Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen"
9. Der Freischütz, Act II: Scene und Arie - "Wie nahte mir der Schlummer"
10. Der Freischütz, Act II: Terzett - "Wie? Was? Entsetzen!"

Disc 2
1. Der Freischütz, Act II: Finale - "Die Wolfsschlucht"
2. Der Freischütz, Act III: Entre-Acte
3. Der Freischütz, Act III: Cavatine - "Und ob die Wolke sie verhulle"
4. Der Freischütz, Act III: Romanze und Arie - "Einst traumte meiner sel'gen Base"
5. Der Freischütz, Act III: Volkslied - "Wir winden dir den Jungfernkranz"
6. Der Freischütz, Act III: Jagerchor - "Was gleicht wohl auf Erden"
7. Der Freischütz, Act III: Finale - "Schaut, o schaut!"

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