What Opera Are You Listening to Now?

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Very well sung but with the voices too forward for my taste. They not only leap out of the speakers but they seem to be singing loud most of the time. The effect is tiring on the ear. Stryja conducts wonderfully. This set has a hothouse sonic atmosphere, intoxicating but prone to be overbearing in the climaxes. I'm still not sure it qualifies as a standard opera. I'm reminded of Strauss' Frau Ohne Schatten by the work's luxuriant orchestration and up front, ecstatic vocalism, but also of early 20th century symbolist operas by its static, philosophical subject matter. It can almost be heard as a big vocal symphony, symbolism be damned.

I haven't heard that Stryja recording, but I love this Kaspszyk recording on the CD Accord label and highly recommend it:

[Tsaraslondon]

I haven't heard that Stryja recording, but I love this Kaspszyk recording on the CD Accord label and highly recommend it:

I'm told this is the best recording of the work, but I have the Rattle, which seems pretty good to me.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

I'm told this is the best recording of the work, but I have the Rattle, which seems pretty good to me.

The Rattle is quite good, indeed. I haven't heard it in ages, though.

[nico1616]

Very well sung but with the voices too forward for my taste. They not only leap out of the speakers but they seem to be singing loud most of the time. The effect is tiring on the ear. Stryja conducts wonderfully. This set has a hothouse sonic atmosphere, intoxicating but prone to be overbearing in the climaxes. I'm still not sure it qualifies as a standard opera. I'm reminded of Strauss' Frau Ohne Schatten by the work's luxuriant orchestration and up front, ecstatic vocalism, but also of early 20th century symbolist operas by its static, philosophical subject matter. It can almost be heard as a big vocal symphony, symbolism be damned.

Thanks for the information. The Rattle version has been in my collection for years, without ever being played. I guess I'd better turn to 'die Frau ohne Schatten' first, which is also in my library.

[Tsaraslondon]

Thanks for the information. The Rattle version has been in my collection for years, without ever being played. I guess I'd better turn to 'die Frau ohne Schatten' first, which is also in my library.

Try it. It's a good deal shorter than Die Frau ohne Schatten.

[André]

I haven't heard that Stryja recording, but I love this Kaspszyk recording on the CD Accord label and highly recommend it:

I have Kaspszyk's recording too but don't recall it well. I remember that I felt the need to buy another one after listening to it though.