Alexander Zemlinsky: Der König Kandaules (King Candaules) — World Premiere Recording CD — Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg, Gerd Albrecht

Product Information

• UPC: 4006408600718
• Product Type: Music CD Set (Complete Opera Recording)
• Format: Digital Audio Disc (DDD)
• Label: Capriccio
• Catalog Number: 60 071-2
• Recording: Live recording, Hamburg State Opera production
• Orchestra: Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg
• Conductor: Gerd Albrecht
• Production: Co-production between Staatsoper Hamburg, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), and Capriccio
• Language: German (libretto and translation included)
• Made in: Germany

Overview

This landmark world premiere recording captures Alexander Zemlinsky’s Der König Kandaules (King Candaules), an opera in three acts with a libretto by Zemlinsky based on André Gide’s drama Le Roi Candaule, adapted into German by Franz Blei. The score, reconstructed and fully orchestrated by Antony Beaumont on commission from the Hamburg State Opera, revives a major work of early 20th-century opera that had remained largely unheard.

The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, conducted by Gerd Albrecht, delivers a compelling and richly textured performance with a distinguished cast including James O’Neal as König Kandaules, Monte Pederson as Gyges, Nina Warren as Nyssia, Klaus Häger as Phedros, and Mariusz Kwiecien as Nicomedes.

The production was staged by Günter Krämer with design by Gottfried Pilz. This live recording provides listeners with a thorough insight into Zemlinsky’s dramatic and orchestral mastery, presented in an authoritative and sonically rich release. The accompanying booklet includes detailed articles, a complete libretto, and translations.

Product Features

• Principal Cast:

  Orchestra: Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg
  • König Kandaules: James O’Neal
  • Gyges: Monte Pederson
  • Nyssia: Nina Warren
  • Phedros: Klaus Häger
  • Syphax: Peter Galliard
  • Nicomedes: Mariusz Kwiecien
  • Pharnaces: Kurt Gysen
  • Philebos: Simon Yang
  • Sebas: Ferdinand Seiler
  • Archelaos: Guido Jentjens
• Conductor: Gerd Albrecht
• Format: High-quality live digital recording (DDD) on CD
• Label: Capriccio, catalog number 60 071-2
• Includes: Booklet with work introduction, complete libretto, and translations
• Production: Hamburg State Opera, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), and Capriccio collaboration

Interesting Facts

• World Premiere Recording: This is the first complete recording of Zemlinsky’s opera, featuring a reconstruction and completion of the score by Antony Beaumont.
• Rare Repertoire: Der König Kandaules is a significant rediscovery of early 20th-century operatic repertoire, blending lush late-Romantic orchestration with psychological drama.
• Distinguished Cast and Orchestra: The Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra under Gerd Albrecht provides an authoritative and vibrant interpretation.
• Staging and Design: The production by Günter Krämer and Gottfried Pilz was praised for its dramatic vision and visual impact.

Publishers

Published by Delta Music GmbH, Frechen, Germany. Distributed by Capriccio Records. All rights reserved under catalog number 60 071-2.

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Hashtags

• English: #AlexanderZemlinsky #DerKönigKandaules #KingCandaules #WorldPremiereRecording #GerdAlbrecht #HamburgPhilharmonic #CapriccioRecords #Early20thCenturyOpera #AntonyBeaumont #StaatsoperHamburg