Dive into the captivating world of Luigi Dallapiccola's "Odysseus," a monumental choral work that reimagines Homer's epic through a modernist lens. Released on May 3, 2019, under the Stradivarius label, this two-and-a-half-hour masterpiece is a testament to Dallapiccola's innovative compositional style and his deep engagement with classical mythology.
The album is structured as a dramatic oratorio, divided into a prologue and two acts, each exploring different facets of Odysseus' journey. Sung in German, the libretto is a poetic adaptation of Homer's text, infusing the ancient tale with a contemporary sensibility. Dallapiccola's music is characterized by its intricate polyphony, rich harmonies, and dramatic intensity, making "Odysseus" a compelling listen for fans of choral music and opera.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from symphonic interludes to choral and solo vocal passages, each contributing to the overall narrative. Standout tracks include the evocative "Kalypso" and "Nausikaa" from the prologue, and the dramatic "Telemachos!" and "Melanthos Tanz" from Act II. The album concludes with a fascinating conversation about the work, providing valuable context and insight into Dallapiccola's creative process.
"Odysseus" is not just a retelling of a classic tale, but a profound exploration of themes such as homecoming, identity, and the human condition. Dallapiccola's masterful composition and the powerful performances bring a fresh perspective to this timeless story, making it a standout work in the choral repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Dallapiccola's music or new to his work, "Odysseus" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Odysseus, Prologue, Pt. 1 "Kalypso" (Sung in German): Wie einsam und wieder einsamLuigi Dallapiccola, Annabelle Bernard, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Prologue, Pt. 2 "Poseidon" (Sung in German): Symphonic InterludeLuigi Dallapiccola, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Prologue, Pt. 3 "Nausikaa" (Sung in German): Nausikaa! Nausikaa! Stets bist du FrölichLuigi Dallapiccola, Gitta Mikes, Helga Wisniewaska, Catherine Gayer, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin
Odysseus, Prologue, Pt. 3 "Nausikaa" (Sung in German): Diese war der Gemahl, den ich mir träumteLuigi Dallapiccola, Catherine Gayer, Erik Saeden, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Ehe es spät zur Nacht istLuigi Dallapiccola, Victor von Halem, Helmut Melchert, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Wenn auch noch so bitter die HeimkehrLuigi Dallapiccola, Helmut Melchert, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Hab's wohl gesehen, du fremdenLuigi Dallapiccola, Victor von Halem, Erik Saeden, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Land! Land! Doch nicht das UferLuigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): O, schaunen, o dann erstaunen, und meut wieder schaunenLuigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Jean Madeira, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Tränen nur...Weinen und ReueLuigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Hildegard Hillebrecht, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Set nier TiresiasLuigi Dallapiccola, Helmut Melchert, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act I (Sung in German): Wie sah doch Klaheit wei in meine ZukunftLuigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Victor von Halem, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Nichts auf dem MeereLuigi Dallapiccola, Ernst Krukowski, José van Dam, Karl Ernst Mercker, Jean Madeira, Loren Driscoll, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Hassen und Wüten erfült ringsum allesLuigi Dallapiccola, Loren Driscoll, Erik Saeden, Jean Madeira, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Geh nur, geh nur ins Tal schonLuigi Dallapiccola, Loren Driscoll, Erik Saeden, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Telemachos! Telemachos!Luigi Dallapiccola, Loren Driscoll, Barbara Scherler, Erik Saeden, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Doch ringsum über all BlutLuigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Annabelle Bernard, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Frölich, frölich, lustig soll diese Nacht sein!Luigi Dallapiccola, Ernst Krukowski, Jean Madeira, Annabelle Bernard, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Meinen Anruf vernahmst du Kirke!Luigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Ernst Krukowski, Jean Madeira, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Auf die Freudel! Seid alle frölichLuigi Dallapiccola, Jean Madeira, Karl Ernst Mercker, José van Dam, Ernst Krukowski, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Melanthos TanzLuigi Dallapiccola, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Telemachos!Luigi Dallapiccola, Ernst Krukowski, Barbara Scherler, José van Dam, Karl Ernst Mercker, Erik Saeden, Annabelle Bernard, Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Symphonic InterludeLuigi Dallapiccola, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
Odysseus, Act II (Sung in German): Nein, nicht Furien sind esLuigi Dallapiccola, Erik Saeden, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Lorin Maazel
About Odysseus (A Conversation with Lugi Dallapiccola)Luigi Dallappicola
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