Zemlinsky: Der Zwerg

Runnicles, Donald

NBD 0108 V

Elena Tsallagova and Emily Magee, Sopranos • David Butt Philip, Tenor • Mick Morris Mehnert, Actor • Tobias Kratzer, Stage Director • Based on Oscar Wilde’s story The Birthday of the Infanta, Zemlinsky’s single-act opera Der Zwerg is the tragic tale of a dwarf who is presented at court, falls in love with the beautiful Donna Clara, but is ultimately forced to see himself as others see him and to die of a broken heart. Preceded by Schoenberg’s Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene, Op. 34, Zemlinsky’s Romantic score is full of psychological intrigue. Is Der Zwerg a critique of society’s superficiality? Is it the composer’s self-portrait in his doomed affair with Alma Schindler? Director Tobias Kratzer’s stunning, transparent production creates a space in which each character is thrown into sharp relief in this ‘fine, noble and melancholy work’ (Bachtrack.com).

Blu-ray

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

05-05-2020

7300990108636