Dive into the captivating world of George Enescu's "Oedipe, Op. 23," a monumental opera that brings the ancient Greek tragedy of Oedipus to life through a rich tapestry of music and drama. Released on January 17, 2006, by Naxos, this album offers a compelling journey through the timeless story of fate, destiny, and human struggle.
Enescu's masterful composition spans over two hours and eight minutes, divided into four acts, each brimming with intense emotional depth and intricate musical detail. The opera features a diverse cast of characters, from the regal Jocasta and the wise Tiresias to the tormented Oedipus himself, each brought to life through Enescu's evocative score.
The album showcases Enescu's unique ability to blend classical forms with innovative techniques, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The prologue sets the stage with a haunting prelude, while the subsequent acts unfold with a series of powerful arias and choral pieces that highlight the opera's dramatic tension and emotional resonance.
"Oedipe, Op. 23" is not just an opera; it's a testament to Enescu's genius and his ability to translate complex themes into a musical language that is both profound and accessible. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Tracks
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act I Prologue: PreludeGeorge Enescu, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act I Prologue: Roi Laïos, en ta maison (Women, High Priest, Warriors, Shepherds, Creon)George Enescu, Goran Simic, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act I Prologue: Les Dieux ont béni l’enfant (High Priest, Jocasta, Laius, Tiresias, Chorus)George Enescu, Goran Simic, Marjana Lipovsek, Josef Hopferwieser, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 1: Mais l’éxil éternel! (Oedipus, Phorbas, Chorus)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Peter Koves, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 1: Pourquoi trembler, mon fils? (Merope, Oedipus)George Enescu, Mihaela Ungureanu, Monte Pederson, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 2: Est-ce déjà le Roi? (Shepherd, Oedipus, Laius)George Enescu, Michael Roider, Monte Pederson, Josef Hopferwieser, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 3: De l’aurore à l’aurore (Watchman, Oedipus, Sphinx)George Enescu, Walter Fink, Monte Pederson, Marjana Lipovsek, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 3: Ho! Ho! Réveillez-vous, Thébains! (Watchman, Oedipus, Thebans, Chorus)George Enescu, Walter Fink, Monte Pederson, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Oh! Oh! Hélas! Hélas! (Chorus, Oedipus, High Priest, Creon)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Goran Simic, Davide Damiani, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Divin Tirésias, très cher, très grand (Oedipus, Tiresias, Creon, Chorus)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Egils Silins, Davide Damiani, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Qu’entends-je, Oedipe? (Jocasta, Oedipus, Chorus, Shepherds, Phorbas)George Enescu, Marjana Lipovsek, Monte Pederson, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Ouvrez les portes! (Oedipus, Chorus, Antigone, Creon)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Ruxandra Donose, Davide Damiani, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act IV Epilogue: Bienveillantes! Bienfaisantes! (Chorus, Theseus, Oedipus, Antigone)George Enescu, Yu Chen, Monte Pederson, Ruxandra Donose, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act IV Epilogue: Père! Père! Créon! Je vois Créon! (Antigone, Creon, Oedipus, Chorus)George Enescu, Ruxandra Donose, Davide Damiani, Monte Pederson, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
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