Description

Ferruccio Busoni: Turandot & Arlecchino (2CD Set)

Operatic Masterworks Performed by René Pape, Linda Plech, and the Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin Conducted by Gerd Albrecht

Product Information

UPC: 845221053981
Product Type: Classical Music 2CD Set (Opera)
Genre: Opera, Early 20th Century Classical
Language: Italian / German (Librettos)
Artists:
Orchestra: Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
- René Pape
- Linda Plech
- Robert Wörle
- Siegfried Lorenz
- Gabriele Schreckenbach
- Josef Protschka
- Others
Conductor: Gerd Albrecht
Label: Capriccio / Deutschlandfunk Kultur
Recording Dates: January 21–25, 1992 (Turandot), January 2–4 & December 4, 1992 (Arlecchino)
Recording Venue: Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin
Format: 2 Audio CDs
Publisher: Musikverlag Breitkopf & Härtel, Wiesbaden
Co-production: RIAS Berlin, Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln, Capriccio
Release Years: 1993 / 2020 (Reissue)
Made in: Germany

Overview

This distinguished 2CD set presents Ferruccio Busoni’s operatic works Turandot and Arlecchino, performed by an outstanding cast featuring bass René Pape and soprano Linda Plech, alongside the Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin under the expert baton of Gerd Albrecht.

Busoni’s Turandot is an evocative adaptation of the famous story, combining lush orchestration and dramatic vocal writing. The opera features a rich cast of characters including Altoum, Turandot, and the Queen Mother, with standout performances by René Pape and Linda Plech.

Arlecchino, a comic opera, complements Turandot with its lively, satirical narrative and intricate vocal interplay. Featuring roles such as Arlecchino, Ser Matteo Del Sarto, and Dottor Bombastro, the opera highlights Busoni’s wit and originality.

Recorded in Berlin’s Jesus-Christus-Kirche, these performances showcase Busoni’s innovative approach to opera, blending late Romantic expressiveness with early modernist touches. This set is an essential addition for lovers of rare and evocative operatic repertoire.

Product Features

Format: 2 CDs, total duration approx. 120 minutes
Recording Venue: Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin
Conducted by: Gerd Albrecht
Full Cast: Includes René Pape, Linda Plech, Robert Wörle, Siegfried Lorenz, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Josef Protschka, and others
Publisher: Musikverlag Breitkopf & Härtel
Co-production: RIAS Berlin, Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln, Capriccio
Sound Quality: Digitally recorded for pristine audio fidelity
Release: Original 1993 release, reissued in 2020

Interesting Facts

Rare Operatic Gems: Busoni’s Turandot predates Puccini’s famous version and offers a unique musical perspective on the timeless tale.
Dual Contrast: The set’s pairing of the serious Turandot with the comedic Arlecchino highlights Busoni’s compositional versatility.
Star Cast: René Pape, who later gained international acclaim as one of opera’s leading basses, shines in this early recording.
Historic Venue: The Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Berlin is renowned for its acoustics, ideal for capturing the rich orchestral and vocal textures of Busoni’s operas.
Co-production Excellence: The collaboration between RIAS Berlin, WDR Köln, and Capriccio ensured high production standards and broad distribution.

Track Listing Highlights

CD 1: Turandot

Altoum, Turandot, Adelma, Barak (René Pape), Queen Mother, Truffaldino, Pantalone, Tartaglia, and others

CD 2: Arlecchino

Arlecchino, Ser Matteo Del Sarto, Abate Cospicuo, Dottor Bombastro, Leandro, Colombina, and others

Publishers

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Hashtags

English: #FerruccioBusoni #TurandotOpera #ArlecchinoOpera #RenéPape #LindaPlech #GerdAlbrecht #RadioSymphonieOrchesterBerlin #Capriccio #DeutschlandfunkKultur #ClassicalOpera #RareOpera