Following the success of Der Freischütz in 1821, Weber determined to break with the singspiel tradition and write a grand romantic opera without spoken dialogue. The libretto he settled on for the project, by Helmina von Chézy, was dramatically weak, and Weber further undermined it by insisting on the addition of a supernatural element. As a result, the opera has never been a huge, popular success, which is a shame since it contains some of Weber's finest work, a wealth of impassioned, noble, dramatic, and vocally ...
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Following the success of Der Freischütz in 1821, Weber determined to break with the singspiel tradition and write a grand romantic opera without spoken dialogue. The libretto he settled on for the project, by Helmina von Chézy, was dramatically weak, and Weber further undermined it by insisting on the addition of a supernatural element. As a result, the opera has never been a huge, popular success, which is a shame since it contains some of Weber's finest work, a wealth of impassioned, noble, dramatic, and vocally spectacular music. This 1974 performance makes a terrifically strong case for the opera's music, and since it's apparently not viable on-stage, it may be best experienced as a recording. This three-CD set presents a musically compelling version of the opera, with an outstanding all-star cast, many of whom are in top form. Jessye Norman is at the height of her powers, her voice warm and loamy rich and her performance radiant, often thrilling. Nicolai Gedda is generally very fine, but his...
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