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Duke Bluebeard's Castle
A Kékszakállù herceg vára. Opera in one act, Op.11 (1911). Libretto by Béla Balázs after fairy tale by Perrault.
Judith Anne Sofie von Otter mezzo-soprano
Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra
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[62'56"] full-price
by Darrell Ang
Anne Sofie von Otter (below right) is a sublime, sweet-voiced 'Judith' who manages
without effort to adopt the swift mood-changes her character demands; and
John Tomlinson gives us a dark-hued, though undistinguished, Bluebeard.
The oration that precedes the opera-proper is effectively undertaken by
Sandor Elès, brilliantly creating the spooky ambience. Although none of the
artists involved in this recording (save for the narrator) are Hungarian,
it has been applauded for its faithfulness to the language – thanks, no
less, to efficient language-coaching.
Sample, for example, the final bars of the Prologue,
where a sense of unease underlines Judith's impending doom: what superb
orchestral response Haitink (left) draws from the Berliners! The loveliest music can be heard
when Judith opens the sixth door to Bluebeard's 'Lake of Tears', and the
characters' plaintive exchanges are most memorable.
It would surely be a
mistake to overlook this, surely one of Bartók's masterpieces in any genre;
and Haitink's recording, no doubt, is one to suit all tastes!
This recording, taped from 'live' performances at the Philharmonie in
Berlin in 1996, was greeted with much acclaim upon its appearance – and
rightly so. Throughout, Haitink and the Berlin Philharmonic strive for a
note-perfect rendering of the score that does not sound the least bit
contrived. Much attention is paid to the atmospherical aspects of the
music, revealing the conductor's realisation of the composer's intentions.
Already from the opening music one is likely to recall Debussy's Pelléas, and
Haitink's reputation as an accomplished Debussyian serves him in good
stead. Accompaniment is duly sensitive, echoing in every phrase and turn
the characters' lyrical exchanges; and most times setting the pace for
abrupt shifts of mood.
Ring of Drama
In Singapore, EMI discs are available at or can be ordered from Sing Discs (Raffles City), Tower Records (Pacific Plaza and Suntec City), HMV (The Heeren) and Borders (Wheelock Place).
Behind his seventh door, Darrell Ang hides his ghastly collection of mutilated musicians... The Inkpot reviewers often go there to dispose of unwanted friends, or just for kicks.
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625/322: 25.10.1998 ©Darrell Ang
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Duke Bluebeard's Castle - Kertész
From the Decca Legends Series.
The SSO stages Bluebeard's Castle. July 30, 1999.