Bartók: Bluebeard's Castle [download]
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Catalogue Number LSO0185-D
UPC 0822231118565Released 27 July 2009
Producers
James Mallinson
Engineers
Jonathan Stokes and Neil Hutchinson for Classic Sound LtdRecorded
January 2009 in the Barbican Hall, London
Format
ALAC - 24bit 192kHz & 96kHz - Compatible with Apple devices (MacOS and iOS)
FLAC - 24bit 192kHz & 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and Android devices
MP3 - 320kbps - Universal compatibilityBooklet in English, French & German
Libretto in Hungarian with English translation -
Opera Magazine’s Disc of the Month
'Gergiev’s Bluebeard passes beyond shattering into a realm even more deeply disturbing.’BBC Music Magazine’s Opera Choice of the Month
'Gergiev and his superlative forces and vocal soloists, supported by magnificent sound quality, present the enigmatic piece with great power.''All the restless qualities of the underlying and shadowy string themes are sketched in an appropriately unsettling way. Vitally for this score, the woodwind figures add their eerie colours and decorative dissonance to great effect, the clarinet making a particularly telling contribution – wonderful playing... Orchestral textures are remarkably clear and Bartók’s highly individual percussive effects make their full impact. Gergiev is most considerate to his singers, even at the most grandiose and loud moments.'
Classical Source
£8.99
Valery Gergiev, London Symphony Orchestra
Bartók’s only opera is an intense drama, involving only two characters and underpinned by a rich orchestral score. Bluebeard’s young bride persuades him to open seven doors in his castle to let the light in. Behind each door she finds increasingly disturbing sights, until the final door opens to reveal the castle’s secret and her fate.
Composer | Bartók | |
Conductor | Valery Gergiev | |
Performers | London Symphony Orchestra | |
Soloists | Elena Zhidkova, Sir Willard White |
2. First Door - Bluebeard's Torture Chamber
3. Second Door - the Armoury
4. Third Door - the Treasury
5. Fourth Door - the Garden
6. Fifth Door - Bluebeard's Vast and Beautiful Kingdom
7. Sixth Door - the Lake of Tears
8. Seventh Door - Bluebeard's Wives