Weber

In these performances with the admirable Konzerthaus Orchestra, what emerges above all is the uniquely glowing sound of Weber’s orchestration, with its very special use of horns and winds. — BBC Music Magazine, August 2021, 4 out of 5 stars (Performance) / 5 out of 5 stars (Recording) More…

Release Date: 28th May 2021
Catalogue No: ALPHA744
Label: Alpha
Length: 53 minutes

International Classical Music Awards

2022

Nominated - Assorted Programs

Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days

Weber: Der Gerrscher der Geister Overture (Ruler of the Spirits Overture)

Work length6:32

$1.00

$1.50

$2.05

Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

Weber: Konzertstück in F minor, Op. 79 for piano & orchestra

Work length16:54

Album only

Martin Helmchen (piano)
Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

Weber: Der Freischütz Overture

Work length9:48

$1.50

$2.30

$3.05

Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

Weber: Einst träumte meiner sel'gen Base…Trübe Augen (from Der Freischütz)

Work length7:00

$1.50

$2.30

$3.05

Anna Prohaska (soprano)
Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

Weber: Der Freischütz: Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen

Work length4:07

$1.00

$1.50

$2.05

Anna Prohaska (soprano)
Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

Weber: Oberon Overture

Work length9:10

$1.50

$2.30

$3.05

Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

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About

200 years ago, on May 26th 1821, today's Berlin Concert Hall was inaugurated as “Königliches Schauspielhaus”. Destroyed as “Preußisches Staatstheater” during World War II, the building, located in eastern Berlin, was rebuilt during GDR times and reopened as “Konzerthaus” in 1984. The premiere of Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischütz on June 18th 1821 was a highlight of the opening year. The work became his most popular opera and one of the key works of the 19th century. A few days later, the composer (who died at the age of only 40 in 1826), had another piece premiered at the “Königliches Schauspielhaus”: his brilliant Concert Piece for Piano and Orchestra op.79.

This year the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, with its principal conductor Christoph Eschenbach, will be celebrating these historic events. Weber holds a special place in the life of the great German conductor and pianist, as Der Freischütz was the first opera he saw at the age of ten. Eschenbach is being joined in this program, which combines overtures, arias and the famous concert piece, by two artists who reside at the Konzerthaus Berlin and are also Alpha artists: soprano Anna Prohaska and pianist Martin Helmchen.

Reviews

August 2021

In these performances with the admirable Konzerthaus Orchestra, what emerges above all is the uniquely glowing sound of Weber’s orchestration, with its very special use of horns and winds.

Nov/Dec 2021

Eschenbach conducts affectionately throughout, particularly in the Overture to Oberon, which features unusually caressing phrasing.

August 2021

Helmchen gives real substance to the Konzertstück...Eschenbach and the orchestra deserve credit, too, for they match Helmchen’s deft touch and broad colour palette.

6th June 2021

This recording, conducted and played with great spirit, is a potent reminder of the brilliance of Weber’s music.

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Weber

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