Rimsky-Korsakov: Christmas Eve

The chorus of the Frankfurt Opera make resounding contributions in the scene at court, and in the epilogue, rounding off a marvellous realisation of this charming work... the production overall... — MusicWeb International, December 2022 More…

Release Date: 11th Nov 2022
Catalogue No: 2110738
Label: Naxos

International Opera Awards

2023

Nominated - Recording (Complete Opera)

Rimsky Korsakov: Christmas Eve

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Composed using his own libretto, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov created this magical opera based on the short story by Nikolay Gogol ‘The Night before Christmas’ in which Vakula the handsome blacksmith wants to marry the rich farmer’s daughter Oksana, who in turn demands that he must first bring her the Tsarina’s shoes. Meanwhile a witch on her broomstick gathers the stars and the devil steals the moon – demonic forces trying to hinder this romantic union. There is little repertoire in musical theatre in which enchantment and enlightenment come together so happily as in Rimsky-Korsakov’s fairy-tale operas, and this Oper Frankfurt production was considered ‘a perfect seasonal tonic’ by the Financial Times. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Christmas Eve is best known on recordings in its version as an orchestral suite, but, while there are one or two recordings of the complete opera on album this excellent DVD production stands alone, witness to the surprising rarity of this work’s appearance in today’s opera houses. Released in perfect time for the Christmas season, this opera is considered by musical director Sebastian Weigle to be a ‘great gift’ in every regard.

Reviews

December 2022

The chorus of the Frankfurt Opera make resounding contributions in the scene at court, and in the epilogue, rounding off a marvellous realisation of this charming work... the production overall will vindicate those who already admire Rimsky-Korsakov’s colourful and imaginative operatic output.

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