Customer Reviews

Die Burgschaft: Complete Opera

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Recorded live at the Spoleto Festival USA, the Die Burgschaft operatic opus by Kurt Weill 1900-1950) is flawlessly reproduced in stereo for EMI Classics' two CD boxed set format. Listeners will enjoy the passionate, powerful performances Frederick Burchinal, Margaret Thompson, Dale Travis, Joel Sorensen, Peter Lurie, Lawrence Craig, Herbert Perry, Ann Panagulias, Katherine Cleshuski, Enrico Di Giuseppe, Mark Duffin, John Danleckl, The Westminister Choir, and the Spoleto Festive USA Orchestra under the able direction of Julius Rudel. Die Burgschaft is a highly recommended addition to any personal, music school, and public library classical music collection.

Weill's last dramatic operatic effort before emigrating to the United States is a stunning achievement. Turning away from the "number opera", satirical approach, of his collaborations with Brecht, Die Bürgschaft is a sombre and political work (though also a universalist creation that Weill viewed as separate and apart from the politics of the time), with a musical continuity unlike many of his earlier stage works. It gives a unique glimpse of the composer Weill might have become had he remained in Europe. Not a better composer, necessarily. But a different one. Die Bürgschaft is firmly rooted in classical traditions, ranging from Handel-inspired oratorio stylings for the massive chorus Weill employs to the detachment and objectivity characteristic of Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex. (The latter work is a readily apparent influence.)

This recording is, to my knowledge, the first and only recording of the complete original version (that which premiered, after Weill's revisions, in Berlin in 1932). And it is excellent in all respects -- in execution and engineering. The individual performances shine. The chorus and orchestra are skillfully managed and balanced. Nothing about the reading is tortured. This recording exhibits an abundance of effort to reach the heart of Weill's long-ignored masterpiece. It is highly recommended, if not indispensable, for fans of Weill and/or Classical modernism.

I had the pleasure of performing in this opera as part of the ensemble cast. Speaking from personal experience as far as making the c.d., and also from listening to the finished product, I can truly say this opera is breathtaking. There is so much power behind the genius of Kurt Weill and this dark, "non-traditional" opera is no exception. The leads were fantastic, but more so, which amazon does not state, the ensemble is comprised mostly of the acclaimed Westminster College Choir. I had the pleasure of being one of the few locals to be cast. This opera was an outstanding one to perform in, as well as view, and the c.d., to hear it, is no different. I hope you enjoy this score as much as I do!

I attended the performance of this Opera at Spoleto when it was recorded...a great opera. Not traditional by any means though. The Three Bad Guys were great and provided some comic action during the performance. Hope you enjoy the music