Episode 3
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Louis Spohr, focusing on his emphatic commitment to opera. Featuring Jessonda (Overture and excerpts); Violin Concerto No 8.
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Louis Spohr, focusing on his emphatic commitment to opera.
By 1822, Spohr had returned to Germany after several years of international travel and immediately set about trying to secure a reputation as an operatic composer. He saw a real need not just for great German opera, but for a manifesto that German composers should follow in their quest for a truly distinctive national style.
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Music Played
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Louis Spohr
Jessonda – Overture (1822)
Performer: Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra Performer: Christian Frölich (conductor)
- CPO 999 0932.
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Louis Spohr
Jessonda Act 1 (No 7) - Jessonda's recitative and aria: Als in mitternächt'ger Stunde
Performer: Julia Varady (soprano - Jessonda) Performer: Hamburg State Philharmonic Orchestra Performer: Gerd Albrecht (conductor)
- Orfeo C240 912H.
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Louis Spohr
Jessonda Act 2 (No 12)- Tristan's aria: Der Kriegeslust ergeben
Performer: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (baritone – Tristan D’Acunha) Performer: Hamburg State Philharmonic Orchestra Performer: Gerd Albrecht (conductor)
- Orfeo C240 912H.
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Louis Spohr
Violin Concerto no 8 in A minor 'in modo di scena cantate'
Performer: Elizabeth Wallfisch (violin) Performer: Brandenberg Orchestra Performer: Roy Goodman (conductor)
- Hyperion Helios CDH 55157.
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Louis Spohr
Jessonda Act 3 (No 27) Jessonda's recit and aria: Ich hatt' entsagt der Erde Freuden
Performer: Julia Varady (soprano - Jessonda) Performer: Hamburg State Philharmonic Orchestra Performer: Gerd Albrecht (conductor)
- Orfeo C240 912H.
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Louis Spohr
Jessonda Act 3 (finale)
Performer: Hamburg State Philharmonic Orchestra and chorus / Gerd Albrecht (conductor)
- Orfeo C240 912H.
Broadcasts
- Wed 16 Dec 200912:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 16 Dec 200922:00BBC Radio 3
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