Boris Blacher: Dance Suite & Hamlet — Symphonic Masterpieces CD

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin | Johannes Kalitzke, Conductor

Product Information

• UPC: 845221053493
• Catalog Number: C5349
• Format: Digital / CD
• Genre: Classical / 20th Century Orchestral Music
• Composer: Boris Blacher (1903–1975)
• Performers: Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
• Conductor: Johannes Kalitzke
• Label: Capriccio / Deutschlandfunk Kultur
• Recording Location: Berlin, Jesus-Christus-Kirche
• Recording Dates: October 9–13, 2017
• Release Year: 2018
• Country of Manufacture: Austria

Overview

This captivating album presents a selection of Boris Blacher’s dynamic orchestral works, performed by the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin under the baton of Johannes Kalitzke. The recording captures Blacher’s unique voice in 20th-century music, blending rhythmic innovation, lyrical intensity, and dramatic depth.

Highlights include the Dance Suite, showcasing lively and expressive movements, and the evocative Hamlet, Op. 17, a symphonic poem that reflects the psychological complexity of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Also featured are selections from the Demeter Suite and Lysistrata Suite, arranged by Kalitzke, as well as the expansive Poème (1974) and the Concertante Music for Orchestra, Op. 10 (1937).

Recorded in the acoustically rich Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Berlin, this album offers a pristine sound that reveals the detailed textures and vibrant orchestral colors characteristic of Blacher’s compositions.

Product Features

• Format: Digital CD, high-quality recording
• Duration: Approximate total 63 minutes

• Tracks:

  Performers: Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

  • Dance Suite (Selections):

    • Fürstin Tarakanowa: Overture (4:52)
    • Demeter Suite: Nr. 4 Adagio (5:58)
    • Demeter Suite: Variation. Moderato (2:52)
    • Lysistrata Suite: Nr. 4-5 (6:39)
    • Poème (16:39)
  • Hamlet, Op. 17 (12:28)
  • Concertante Music for Orchestra, Op. 10 (8:46)
• Conductor: Johannes Kalitzke
• Label: Capriccio / Deutschlandfunk Kultur
• Recording: Berlin, 2017

Interesting Facts

• Modern Rhythmic Innovation: Blacher was known for his experimental rhythms and dance-inspired motifs, which are prominent in the Dance Suite and Lysistrata Suite.
• Literary Inspirations: Works like Hamlet and the Demeter Suite draw on profound literary and mythological themes, interpreted through Blacher’s distinctive orchestral voice.
• Johannes Kalitzke’s Arrangements: Kalitzke contributes his own arrangements and interpretations, deepening the connection between the original works and contemporary performance practice.
• Acoustic Excellence: Recorded in the Jesus-Christus-Kirche, a venue prized for its clear acoustics, the album offers exceptional sound clarity and orchestral balance.
• Collaboration Between Broadcasters: A co-production of Deutschlandfunk Kultur and Capriccio, highlighting the commitment to high-quality classical music recordings.

Publishers

Published by Boosey & Hawkes, Berlin. Released by Capriccio, Vienna, Austria (2018). Co-production with Deutschlandfunk Kultur.

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