Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Richard Strauss' "Des Esels Schatten" (The Shadow of the Donkey), masterfully conducted by Andreas Kohn. Released on January 1, 1997, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this opera is a testament to Strauss' genius and Kohn's exceptional musical direction.
Spanning a rich 78 minutes, this album is a journey through a unique narrative, blending humor, satire, and profound philosophical questions. The story, set in ancient Greece, revolves around a donkey's shadow and its absurd value, critiquing human nature and society. The opera is a delightful blend of the mundane and the extraordinary, with a cast of characters that includes philosophers, artisans, and even talking animals.
Andreas Kohn's interpretation brings out the depth and complexity of Strauss' score, highlighting the opera's intricate musical layers and its seamless fusion of text and music. The album features a stellar cast of singers, each bringing their unique voice and interpretation to their respective roles, from the philosophical musings of Physignatus to the playful antics of the animals.
"Des Esels Schatten" is not just an opera; it's a musical experience that challenges and entertains in equal measure. Kohn's conducting is nuanced and expressive, guiding the orchestra through Strauss' lush, evocative score with precision and passion. The result is an album that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable, a true gem in the world of classical music.
Tracks
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: Prelude "Der Froschgraben"Richard Strauss, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Im 5. Jahrhundert vor Christus..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 1 Duett Antrax/StruthionRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Andreas Kohn, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Der Horizont flimmerte..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 2 Duett Antrax/StruthionRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Andreas Kohn, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Szenenwechsel. Der Gerichtssaal..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 3 Lied des PhilippidesRichard Strauss, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Als die Musik aufhörte..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 4 Duett Physignatus/PolyphonusRichard Strauss, Clemens Bieber, Ralf Lukas, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Szenenwechsel. Die Werkstatt..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 5 Lied des KenteterionRichard Strauss, Oskar Hillebrandt, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Es klopft an der Tür..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 6 Terzett Physignatus/Kenteterion/StruthionRichard Strauss, Clemens Bieber, Oskar Hillebrandt, Andreas Kohn, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Im belaubten Hain..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 7 Terzett Antrax/Krobyle/GorgoRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Mette Ejsing, Bodil Arnesen, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Krobyle meldet sich..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 8a Arietta GorgoRichard Strauss, Bodil Arnesen, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Antrax ist etwas..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 8b Terzett Antrax/Krobyle/GorgoRichard Strauss, Eberhard Büchner, Mette Ejsing, Bodil Arnesen, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Der Schwerpunkt der Handlung..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 9 Pantomime der Frösche und StörcheRichard Strauss, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Kurze Zeit später..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 10 ChorRichard Strauss, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Phillippides, der Richter..."Peter Ustinov
No.11a Zwischenspiel - No.11b ChorPeter Ustinov, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Struthion zur Linken..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 12 Ansprache des PhilippidesRichard Strauss, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
Des Esels Schatten: "Phillippides setzt sich..."Peter Ustinov
Des Esels Schatten, AV 300: No. 13 FinaleRichard Strauss, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Karl Anton Rickenbacher
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