Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with this captivating collection of his lesser-known stage works. Released on February 28, 2025, under Warner Classics, this album brings together three distinct compositions that showcase Beethoven's versatility and mastery of classical music.
The album opens with "König Stephan" (King Stephen), Op. 117, a dramatic cantata that blends choral and orchestral elements to tell the story of King Stephen of Hungary. The piece is filled with rich harmonies, powerful choruses, and stirring marches, offering a glimpse into Beethoven's ability to convey narrative through music.
Following this is "Die Ruinen von Athen" (The Ruins of Athens), Op. 113, a celebratory cantata composed to mark the laying of the foundation stone for the new theater in Pest. This work is notable for its lively rhythms, evocative melodies, and the famous "Marcia alla turca," a march that captures the spirit of Ottoman military music.
The album concludes with "Leonore Prohaska," WoO 96, a tribute to a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Napoleonic Wars. This work includes a poignant "Trauermarsch" (Funeral March) and a dramatic "Melodram," highlighting Beethoven's ability to convey deep emotion and historical significance through his music.
With a total runtime of 49 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of Beethoven's stage works, offering a fresh perspective on the composer's contributions to classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Beethoven or a newcomer to his works, this collection is sure to enrich your appreciation of his musical legacy.
Tracks
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: OuvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 1, Chor. "Ruhend von seinen Taten"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 2, Chor. "Auf dunkelm Irrweg in finstern Hainen"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 3, SiegesmarschLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 8d, Grave risoluto e ben marcatoLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 7b, Andante maestoso - No. 7c, Maestoso con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 8g, PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 4, Chor der Frauen. "Wo die Unschuld Blumen streute"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 5, Melodram - No. 6, Chor. "Eine neue strahlende Sonne"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 8a, Geistlicher MarschLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 8b, Chor. "Heil unserm Könige!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 8e, Andante mossoLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: König Stephan, Op. 117: No. 9, Schlusschor. "Heil! Heil! Heil unsern Enkeln!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: Die Ruinen von Athen, Op. 113: OuvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: Die Ruinen von Athen, Op. 113: No. 2, Duett. "Ohne Verschulden Knechtschaft dulden"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Ellen Giacone, Matthieu Heim
Beethoven: Die Ruinen von Athen, Op. 113: No. 4, Marcia alla turcaLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: Die Ruinen von Athen, Op. 113: No. 3, Chor. "Du hast in deines Ärmels Falten"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
Beethoven: Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96: No. 4, TrauermarschLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96: No. 3, Melodram (Instrumental Version)Ludwig van Beethoven, Thomas Bloch
Beethoven: Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96: No. 2, RomanzeLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Ellen Giacone, Virginie Tarrête
Beethoven: Die Ruinen von Athen, Op. 113: No. 6a, MarschLudwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra
Beethoven: Die Ruinen von Athen, Op. 113: No. 6b, Chor. "Schmückt die Altäre!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Laurence Equilbey, Insula Orchestra, Accentus
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