Versuch eines Requiems – A Contemporary Requiem Project (Audio CD)

(Co‑Production with Bayerischer Rundfunk)
Ingo Metzmacher & Bamberger Symphoniker

Product Information

• Label: EMI Classics (International Trade Mark of EMI Records Ltd.)
• Catalog Number: STEREO DDD 7243 5 55424 27
• Format: Compact Disc (Digital Stereo, DDD)
• UPC: 724355542427
• Release Year: 1995
• Place of Manufacture: Made and Printed in West Germany (as stated on the label)
• Languages (Titles/Movements): Multilingual (German, French, English)
• Performers:                                Co-Production: With Bayerischer Rundfunk
  • Conductor: Ingo Metzmacher
  • Ensemble: Bamberger Symphoniker
  • Soloists & Narrators:
      • Sarah Leonard (Soprano on selected movements)
      • Cornelia Kallisch (Alt/Contralto)
      • Thomas Randle (Tenor)
      • Udo Samel (Speaker/Narrator)
  • Chorus: Männerchor der Bamberger Symphoniker (Chorus Master: Rolf Beck)
• Copyright: © 1995 EMI Electrola GmbH, Köln

Overview

English:
“Versuch eines Requiems” is an ambitious modern requiem project that unites four major works by different composers into one immersive listening experience. Under the inspired direction of Ingo Metzmacher, the Bamberger Symphoniker perform:

• A Memorial Piece by Bohuslav Martinů: “Památnik …” (Mémorial pour Lidice)
 – A brief but poignant tribute (approximately 7:48) dedicated to the memory of Lidice.

• Luigi Nono – Canti di vita e d'amore (1962):
 – Featuring movements such as “Sul ponte di Hiroshima,” “Djamila Boupacha: Esta noche” (6:13), and “Tu” (4:01), this work reflects on the fragility of life and the transformative power of love.

• Arnold Schönberg – A Survivor from Warsaw, Op. 46 (1947):
 – A powerful, narrative work in which the dramatic recollection of wartime survival is expressed through music (aggregate segment durations approximately totaling 24–25 minutes).

• Karl Amadeus Hartmann – Symphony No. 1 “Versuch eines Requiems” (1937/48):
 – In a five‑movement cycle (totaling approximately 58 minutes 36 seconds), Hartmann’s “Essay for a Requiem” explores themes of despair, renewal, and ultimately supplication. Notable movements include:
  ◦ I. Introduktion: Elend (2:56)
  ◦ II. Frühling (4:59)
  ◦ III. Thema mit vier Variationen (7:22)
  ◦ IV. Tränen (approx. 7:00)
  ◦ V. Epilog: Bitte (approx. 8:00)

Together, these works span a broad expressive spectrum from the tragic to the transcendent. Solo vocalists (soprano, alto, tenor) and a men’s choir join the orchestra at selected dramatic moments, lending an emotional narrative to Hartmann’s requiem. This release—recorded live with digital remastering—captures the intensity of modern expression fused with echoes of historical remembrance.

Español:
“Versuch eines Requiems” es un ambicioso proyecto de réquiem moderno que une cuatro obras fundamentales de distintos compositores en una experiencia auditiva inmersiva. Bajo la inspirada dirección de Ingo Metzmacher, los Bamberger Symphoniker interpretan:

• Una obra memorial de Bohuslav Martinů: “Památnik …” (Mémorial pour Lidice)
 – Un breve pero conmovedor tributo (aproximadamente 7:48) dedicado a la memoria de Lidice.

• Luigi Nono – Canti di vita e d'amore (1962):
 – Con movimientos tales como “Sul ponte di Hiroshima,” “Djamila Boupacha: Esta noche” (6:13) y “Tu” (4:01), esta obra reflexiona sobre la fragilidad de la vida y el poder transformador del amor.

• Arnold Schönberg – A Survivor from Warsaw, Op. 46 (1947):
 – Una poderosa obra narrativa en la que se expresa, a través de la música, el dramático testimonio de la supervivencia durante la guerra (la suma de sus segmentos alcanza aproximadamente entre 24 y 25 minutos).

• Karl Amadeus Hartmann – Sinfonía No. 1 “Versuch eines Requiems” (1937/48):
 – En un ciclo de cinco movimientos (con una duración total de aproximadamente 58 minutos 36 segundos), el “Ensayo de Réquiem” de Hartmann explora temas de desesperación, renovación y, finalmente, súplica. Movimientos destacados incluyen:
  ◦ I. Introduktion: Elend (2:56)
  ◦ II. Frühling (4:59)
  ◦ III. Thema mit vier Variationen (7:22)
  ◦ IV. Tränen (aprox. 7:00)
  ◦ V. Epilog: Bitte (aprox. 8:00)

En conjunto, estas obras abarcan un amplio espectro expresivo, desde lo trágico hasta lo trascendental. Solistas vocales (soprano, contralto y tenor) y un coro masculino se unen a la orquesta en momentos dramáticos seleccionados, dotando al réquiem de Hartmann de una narrativa emocional. Esta edición—grabada en directo y remasterizada digitalmente—captura la intensidad de la expresión moderna fusionada con ecos de la memoria histórica.

Product Features

Audio & Remastering

• Digital Remastering Excellence:
  The recording has been produced in digital stereo (DDD) with meticulous remastering that preserves the warmth of the live performance while providing exceptional clarity and dynamic range.

• Authentic Acoustic Capture:
  Recorded under live conditions with the Bamberger Symphoniker, the sound quality embodies both the raw emotional power of modern expression and the polished precision of EMI’s remastering process.

Performance & Interpretation

• Iconic Leadership:
  Ingo Metzmacher’s visionary conducting guides the forces of the Bamberger Symphoniker through an emotionally charged program that blends historical consciousness with modern musical language.

• Expressive Vocal & Choral Contributions:
  Featured soloists—including soprano Sarah Leonard, contralto Cornelia Kallisch, and tenor Thomas Randle—along with speaker Udo Samel and the men’s chorus (directed by Rolf Beck) deepen the narrative impact of Hartmann’s work.

• Contrast and Cohesion:
  The programming juxtaposes the introspective lament of Hartmann with the reflective and, at times, austere messages from Nono and Schönberg, as well as the commemorative poignancy of Martinů’s memorial piece.

Packaging & Collector’s Extras

• Collector’s Edition:
  The CD package includes an enclosed booklet with comprehensive liner notes, providing historical background, movement-by-movement insights, and commentary on the interpretative choices.

• International Appeal:
  Titles, movement names, and supplementary materials are provided in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for an international audience.

Excelencia en Audio y Presentación

• Remasterización Digital de Alta Calidad:
  La grabación se ha producido en estéreo digital (DDD) y remasterizada con esmero para preservar la calidez de la actuación en vivo, ofreciendo claridad excepcional y un amplio rango dinámico.

• Captura Acústica Auténtica:
  Grabado en directo con la Bamberger Symphoniker, la calidad sonora refleja el poder emocional crudo de la expresión moderna y la precisión pulida del proceso de remasterización de EMI.

• Dirección Icónica:
  La dirección visionaria de Ingo Metzmacher guía a la Bamberger Symphoniker a través de un programa cargado de emoción que combina la conciencia histórica con el lenguaje musical moderno.

• Profundas Contribuciones Vocales y Corales:
  Los solistas—soprano Sarah Leonard, contralto Cornelia Kallisch y tenor Thomas Randle—junto con el recitador Udo Samel y el coro masculino (dirigido por Rolf Beck) intensifican el impacto narrativo de la obra de Hartmann.

• Contraste e Integración:
  La programación contrapone el lamento introspectivo de Hartmann con los mensajes reflexivos y, en ocasiones, austeros de Nono y Schönberg, así como con la conmovedora vigencia del homenaje de Martinů.

• Edición de Coleccionista:
  El paquete incluye un folleto detallado con notas completas que ofrecen contexto histórico, análisis de movimientos y comentarios interpretativos, asegurando su atractivo internacional.

Track Listing

(Note: The album comprises a multi‐section program combining works by several composers.)

1. Bohuslav Martinů – Memorial for Lidice (Památnik/Mémorial pour Lidice)
    – Duration: 7:48

2. Luigi Nono – Canti di vita e d'amore (1962)
    • Track 1: “Sul ponte di Hiroshima”
    • Track 2: “Djamila Boupacha: Esta noche” – 6:13
    • Track 3: “Tu” – 4:01
    (Total duration for Nono excerpt: approximately 14–15 minutes)

3. Arnold Schönberg – A Survivor from Warsaw, Op. 46 (1947)
    • Segmented into four parts with approximate sub‑durations of: 6.44, 6.37, 8.03, and 3.04 minutes
    (Total duration: approximately 24–25 minutes)

4. Karl Amadeus Hartmann – Symphony No. 1 “Versuch eines Requiems” (1937/48)
    • Movement I: Introduktion: Elend – 2:56
    • Movement II: Frühling – 4:59
    • Movement III: Thema mit vier Variationen – 7:22
    • Movement IV: Tränen – (approximately 7 minutes)
    • Movement V: Epilog: Bitte – (approximately 8 minutes)
    (Total Symphony Time: 58:36)

Note: Track durations are compiled from available liner notes; actual performance times may vary slightly.

Lista de Temas (Versión en Español)

1. Bohuslav Martinů – Mémorial pour Lidice – 7:48

2. Luigi Nono – Canti di vita e d'amore (1962)
    – “Sul ponte di Hiroshima”
    – “Djamila Boupacha: Esta noche” – 6:13
    – “Tu” – 4:01

3. Arnold Schönberg – Un Survivant de Varsovie, Op. 46 (1947)
    – Dividido en cuatro segmentos (aprox. 6.44, 6.37, 8.03, 3.04 minutos; total aproximado de 24–25 minutos)

4. Karl Amadeus Hartmann – Sinfonía No. 1 “Versuch eines Requiems”
    – I. Introduktion: Elend – 2:56
    – II. Frühling – 4:59
    – III. Thema mit vier Variationen – 7:22
    – IV. Tränen – aprox. 7:00
    – V. Epilog: Bitte – aprox. 8:00
    (Duración Total: 58:36)

Publishers & Credits

Released in 1995 by EMI Electrola GmbH, Köln, this co‑production with Bayerischer Rundfunk is part of EMI’s prestigious catalog.

• Conducted by: Ingo Metzmacher
• Ensemble: Bamberger Symphoniker (performing on movements 1, 2, and 4–10 of Hartmann’s work)
• Soloists/Voices:
   • Sarah Leonard (Soprano on selected movements)
   • Cornelia Kallisch (Alt/Contralto on specific movements)
   • Thomas Randle (Tenor on designated segments)
   • Udo Samel (Speaker/Narrator on movement 5)
   • Männerchor der Bamberger Symphoniker (Chorus Master: Rolf Beck)
• Additional Recording Credits:
   • Luigi Nono’s Canti di vita e d'amore, Arnold Schönberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw, and Bohuslav Martinů’s Mémorial pour Lidice as indicated
• Digital Remastering: Processed in DDD for pristine Modern Sound
• Manufacturing: Printed in West Germany by Neel, Wittingen; Made in West Germany
• Publisher (for Schönberg’s work): G. Schirmer, New York/London
• Art Direction & Cover: Cover details include photography and design by Harro Wolter, Werner Koberstein, and Peter Schuppe

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Hashtags

English:

#IngoMetzmacher #BambergerSymphoniker #HartmannRequiem #NonoCantiDiVitaEdAmore #SchoenbergASurvivorFromWarsaw #MartinũMemorial #EMIClassics #ContemporaryClassical #ModernRequiem #GermanClassical

Español (Etiquetas):

#IngoMetzmacher #BambergerSymphoniker #RequiemDeHartmann #CantiDiVitaEdAmore #SurvivantDeVarsovie #MémorialPourLidice #EMIClassics #ClásicaModerna #RéquiemModerno #ClásicosAlemanes