Description
Franz Schmidt: Notre Dame — Complete 2CD Romantic Opera Recording
Product Information
- UPC: 0845221051819
- Product Type: 2CD Audio Set
- Format: Digital Recording
- Duration: Approximate duration not specified (complete opera in 2 acts)
- Language: German
- Genre: Romantic Opera in 2 Acts
- Composer: Franz Schmidt (1874–1939)
- Libretto: Leopold Wilk and Franz Schmidt, adapted after Victor Hugo’s novel Notre Dame de Paris
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Principal Cast:
Orchestra: Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin- Gwyneth Jones (Esmeralda)
- James King (Phoebus)
- Horst R. Laubenthal (Gringoire)
- Hartmut Welker (Archdeacon)
- Kurt Moll (Quasimodo)
- Hans Helm (Officer)
- Kaja Borris (Old Falourdel)
- Choruses: RIAS Kammerchor (Chorus Master Marcus Creed) and Chor der St.-Hedwigs-Kathedrale (Chorus Master Roland Bader)
- Conductor: Christof Perick
- Musical Preparation: Frank Maus
- Organ: Andreas Juffinger
- Recording: World Premiere Recording
- Publisher: Capriccio
- Catalog Number: C5181
- Production: Co-production RIAS Berlin, made in Austria
- Web: www.capriccio.at
Overview
Franz Schmidt’s Notre Dame is a richly romantic opera in two acts based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel Notre Dame de Paris. This complete recording presents Schmidt’s dramatic and lush score, brought to life by a distinguished cast led by Gwyneth Jones as Esmeralda and James King as Phoebus.
With masterful conducting by Christof Perick and the powerful accompaniment of the Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, this world premiere recording captures the emotional depth and grandeur of Schmidt’s adaptation. The inclusion of two expert choirs—the RIAS Kammerchor and the Chor der St.-Hedwigs-Kathedrale—adds depth and texture to the work’s atmospheric scenes.
A must-have for lovers of late-Romantic opera, this edition showcases a rarely recorded masterpiece with exceptional vocal performances and orchestral richness.
Product Features
- Format: 2 Audio CDs
- Language: German
- Opera Type: Romantic Opera in 2 Acts
- Libretto: By Leopold Wilk and Franz Schmidt, after Victor Hugo
- Artists: Leading international soloists with full orchestra and two choirs
- Conductor: Christof Perick
- Orchestra: Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
- Choruses: RIAS Kammerchor and Chor der St.-Hedwigs-Kathedrale
- Recording Type: High-quality digital world premiere recording
- Production: Made in Austria, co-production with RIAS Berlin
Interesting Facts
- Composer: Franz Schmidt was a key figure in early 20th-century Austrian music, known for his symphonic and operatic works blending late Romanticism with modern influences.
- Literary Source: The opera draws on Victor Hugo’s famous novel Notre Dame de Paris, with a libretto adapted by Leopold Wilk and Schmidt himself, emphasizing the tragic and human aspects of the story.
- Cast Highlights: Gwyneth Jones’ dramatic soprano shines as Esmeralda, while Kurt Moll’s commanding bass voice brings depth to Quasimodo.
- Dual Choirs: The use of two prestigious choirs enriches the atmospheric and dramatic power of the opera’s choral passages.
- World Premiere Recording: This set offers the first full recorded performance of Schmidt’s Notre Dame, making it a valuable collector’s item.
Track Listing
(Refer to enclosed booklet for full track details)
Publishers
© 1989/2013 Capriccio, a product of Delta Music GmbH, Austria Co-production: RIAS Berlin Design by sowies Cover photo © Lokalin-f
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Hashtags
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English: #FranzSchmidt #NotreDameOpera #RomanticOpera #GwynethJones #JamesKing #KurtMoll #RadioSymphonieOrchesterBerlin #ChristofPerick #Capriccio #ClassicalOpera
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German: #FranzSchmidt #NotreDame #RomantischeOper #GwynethJones #JamesKing #KurtMoll #RadioSymphonieOrchesterBerlin #ChristofPerick #Capriccio #KlassischeOper