Dmitri Shostakovich & Krzysztof Meyer: Die Spiele (The Gamblers) — World Premiere Recording CD

Product Information

• UPC: 929009807900
• Product Type: Music CD Set (Complete Opera Recording)
• Format: Digital Audio Disc (DDD)
• Label: Capriccio
• Catalog Number: 60 062-2
• Release Year: 1995
• Duration: Approximately 136 minutes and 14 seconds
• Orchestra: Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie
• Conductor: Michail Jurowskij
• Language: German (libretto and translation included)
• Production: Co-production of Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln and Capriccio
• Recording Quality: Digital recording (DDD)

Overview

Die Spiele (The Gamblers) is a compelling opera in three acts by Dmitri Shostakovich and Krzysztof Meyer, based on the classic drama by Nikolay Gogol. This world premiere recording presents the full opera, capturing the dark humor, social satire, and intricate character interactions of Gogol’s original work.

The production features a stellar cast portraying a colorful array of characters including Ikharyov (a card-sharper), Gavryushka (his servant), and a variety of landowners, servants, and gamblers, performed by leading singers such as Admir Bogatschow, Anatolji Babykin, and Slaw Sulejmanow.

Under the masterful direction of conductor Michail Jurowskij and accompanied by the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, this recording offers a vivid and authentic realization of the opera’s dramatic and musical complexity. The inclusion of Jan Kazda on balalaika adds unique color to the orchestral palette.

A comprehensive booklet accompanies the CD, featuring detailed articles, the complete libretto, and translations, enriching the listener’s understanding of this significant 20th-century opera.

Product Features

• Principal Roles:

  Cast: Admir Bogatschow (Tenor), Anatolji Babykin (Baritone), Slaw Sulejmanow (Baritone), Alexander Naumenko (Baritone), Alexander Archipow (Tenor), Nikolaj Nisijenko (Bass), Michail Krutikow (Bass), Wladislaw Werestnikow (Baritone), Alexej Maslennikov (Tenor)
  • Ikharyov (Card-Sharper)
  • Gavryushka (Servant)
  • Uteshityelny
  • Shvokhnyev
  • Krugel
  • Alexey (Inn Servant)
  • Mikhayl Glov (Landowner)
  • Alexander Glov (His Son)
  • Zamukhrishkin
• Orchestra: Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie
• Conductor: Michail Jurowskij
• Special Instrument: Balalaika (Jan Kazda)
• Format: Digital Audio Disc, DDD recording
• Label: Capriccio, catalog number 60 062-2

Interesting Facts

• World Premiere: This is the first official complete recording of Die Spiele, highlighting an important yet lesser-known work in the 20th-century operatic repertoire.
• Gogol’s Influence: The opera faithfully adapts Gogol’s sharp social critique and comedy, bringing it to life with vivid musical storytelling.
• Unique Orchestration: The use of traditional Russian instruments like the balalaika adds authenticity and cultural depth.
• Broadcast Collaboration: The recording is a co-production with Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln, ensuring top-tier sound quality and artistic standards.

Publishers

Published by Delta Music GmbH, Königsdorf, Germany. Distributed by Capriccio Records. All rights reserved under catalog number 60 062-2.

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Hashtags

• English: #DmitriShostakovich #DieSpiele #TheGamblersOpera #MichailJurowskij #NordwestdeutschePhilharmonie #CapriccioRecords #WorldPremiereRecording #GogolOpera #ClassicalOpera #GermanOpera