ZEMLINSKY

 

Lyric Symphony Op.18

 

Christine Schafer, Matthias Goerne, Orchestra de Paris/ Christoph Eschenbach

 

Alexander Zemlinsky wrote his “Lyrical Symphony” in 1922, using the example of Mahler’s “Song of the Earth” as his inspiration. Here, seven songs merge into one another to tell a love story; from the first flickering of emotion to its sad end. Apart from his operas, the “Lyrical Symphony” is Zemlinskys most important and representative work. Here it is performed by a stellar cast - all on their Capriccio debut.

 

“Zemlinsky’s music is so much more complex, gorgeous and painful than any verbal resume can convey. Yet Eshenbach makes it all come together beautifully… (he) is joined by two superb soloists, on finest form, both with as strong a feeling for the greater melody as the

conductor…Strongly recommended.”

BBC Music Magazine - Disc of the Month (July)

 

“At times, this performance reaches awesome levels of power and excitement, yet incorporates Zemlinsky’s more tender moments, too. That control comes from a deeply symphonic view of a score that can be seen simply as a song-cycle. Sound quality is superb in a real summer

blockbuster.”

The Gramophone – Editors Choice (July)

 

 

BBC Radio 3 – Record Review “CD of the Week”

BBC Music Magazine Awards 2007 “Technical Excellence in Recording” Winner

 

“No one has captured the work’s exquisite paradoxes so tellingly as Eschenbach. His acute feeling for the musical line and ear for aural perspective are second to none. And his two superb soloists are allowed to shine through the dense orchestral texture in this extraordinary recording.”

BBC Music Magazine “Disc of the Month”

Gramophone “Editors Choice”

BBC Radio 3 – Record review “CD of the Week”

 

Capriccio SACD CAP71081