Description

Ernst Krenek: Sardakai — The Island of Migo-Migo (Opera in Two Acts, Op. 206) — 2-CD Set

Product Information

UPC: 4006408601296
Product Type: 2-CD Opera Set
Format: Digital Audio Disc (DDD)
Label: Capriccio
Catalog Number: 60 129
Release Year: 2006
Recording: Deutschlandradio Kultur, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
Conductor: Reinhard Schmiedel
Language: German
Libretto: Ernst Krenek (also composer)
Dedication: Dedicated to Rolf Liebermann
Packaging: Includes full libretto (details unspecified)
Origin: Made in Germany

Overview

Ernst Krenek’s Sardakai is a modern opera in two acts (Opus 206), offering a profound and imaginative musical journey into the fictional island world of Migo-Migo. Written and revised between 1969 and 1971, this opera explores themes of rebellion, psychology, and the human condition through its unique characters and evocative score.

Performed by the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin under the precise and sensitive baton of conductor Reinhard Schmiedel, this 2-CD set captures the intensity and nuance of Krenek’s distinctive style. The recording features a stellar cast, including Ksenija Lucic as Sardakai, Egbert Junghanns as Urumuru, and Markus Köhler as Dr. Adriano, among others.

This release, recorded by Deutschlandradio Kultur, presents an excellent opportunity to experience a landmark 20th-century opera, blending avant-garde modernism with dramatic narrative and rich orchestration.

Product Features

Principal Cast:
Orchestra: Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
- Sardakai (Soprano): Ksenija Lucic
- Urumuru (Bass): Egbert Junghanns, leader of the rebellion against Sardakai
- Dr. Adriano (Baritone): Markus Köhler, a psychoanalyst
- Aminta (Mezzo-soprano): Cornelia Entling, Dr. Adriano’s girlfriend
- Carlo Murbruner (Tenor): Jörg Dürmüller, a poet
- Heloise (Soprano): Maacha Deubner, Carlo’s girlfriend
Conductor: Reinhard Schmiedel
Format: 2 Digital Audio Discs, high-quality digital recording (DDD)
Production: Made in Germany, Capriccio label, Delta Music GmbH, Frechen
Art & Design: Cover design by arturbodenstein.com
Recording Partner: Deutschlandradio Kultur and Rundfunk-Orchester und Chöre GmbH Berlin

Interesting Facts

Modernist Opera: Sardakai reflects Ernst Krenek’s exploration of contemporary musical language combined with traditional operatic structure, composed late in his prolific career.
Philosophical Themes: The opera delves into psychological and social conflicts, especially through the character of Dr. Adriano, a psychoanalyst, and the rebellion against Sardakai’s rule.
Rare Recording: This 2-CD set presents one of the few professional recordings of Sardakai, capturing its complex orchestration and dramatic vocal performances.
Dedicated to Rolf Liebermann: Krenek dedicated this work to the influential Swiss composer and opera director, signaling a strong connection to 20th-century operatic innovation.
Renowned Orchestra: The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, known for its versatility and excellence, brings the score’s vibrant textures to life.

Publishers

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Hashtags

English: #ErnstKrenek #Sardakai #ModernOpera #20thCenturyOpera #RundfunkSinfonieorchesterBerlin #ReinhardSchmiedel #CapriccioRecords #DeutschlandradioKultur #OperaInTwoActs #ContemporaryClassicalMusic