Arnold Schoenberg's monumental »Gurre-Lieder« bring to a climax what began with Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner & Co: expressive melodies, an opulent sound and bold harmonies. And, of course, as many musicians as can fit on the stage! They transport the audience into the world of the medieval legend of the Danish King Waldemar and his lover Tove, who is murdered by Waldemar's jealous wife Helvig.
For this mammoth work, which is rarely heard live, the extra large NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra under chief conductor Alan Gilbert is joined by a chorus several hundred strong and top-class soloists - including the charismatic soprano Christina Nilsson as Tove, Simon O’Neill, one of the best heroic tenors of our time, as Waldemar and Thomas Quasthoff as the narrator. This major musical event is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Viennese composer's birth, and rings in the Schoenberg spotlight twice in the 2024/25 season literally with timpani and trumpets.
AUDIO INTRODUCTION and Programme booklet (German)
Performers
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester
NDR Vokalensemble
MDR-Rundfunkchor
Rundfunkchor Berlin
Simon O’Neill tenor
Christina Nilsson soprano
Jamie Barton Waldtaube
Michael Nagy Bauer
Michael Schade Narr
Thomas Quasthoff narrator
Klaas Stok choir rehearsal
conductor Alan Gilbert
Programme
Arnold Schönberg
Gurre-Lieder (Songs of Gurre) for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra
