Franz Schreker’s career was cut short by the events of 1933 in Germany but he achieved real fame with his operas, and the huge success of Der Schatzgräber (‘The Treasure Hunter’) in the 1920s was the high point of his career. In a complex and ultimately tragic tale of destructive greed, desire and toxic social hierarchy, the innkeeper’s daughter Els is forced to confront the consequences of her murderous intent in what conductor Marc Albrecht considers ‘a work of exceptional quality, concentration and significance’. Following the huge success of Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane (Naxos DVD 211058485 / Blu-ray NBD0083V), director Christof Loy continues his exploration of strong female characters and neglected 20th-century masterpieces with this highly acclaimed Deutsche Oper Berlin production.

Director Christof Loy and conductor Marc Albrecht have teamed up again to revive this neglected opera from the early 20th century. This opera was a triumph at its world premiere in 1920 and in subsequent years, but a National Socialist ban on performances sealed its demise. With its narrative blend of fantasy and realism and the powerful expressiveness and dramatic intensity of its music, this is an opera that has plenty of relevance today in both its themes and its stylistic richness.

This 2022 Deutsche Oper Berlin production received wide critical acclaim: ‘With the Swedish heroic tenor Daniel Johansson and the Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid, the ideal cast was indeed found. Johansson’s powerful tenor also masters the lyrical passages effortlessly and uses his beautiful timbre very individually. Strid is convincing in the big dramatic outbursts, but she can also withdraw her technically brilliant soprano at any time for the lyrical sections’ (Klassik begeistert).

Christof Loy is one of the most sought-after directors in international opera and theatre today. His production of Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane with Marc Albrecht was critically acclaimed, becoming a critic’s choice for the American Record Guide and was given the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (‘German Record Critics’ Award’) in November 2019. Albrecht also triumphed with Berg’s Wozzeck (2110582 / NBD0081V), with Gramophone considering it ‘among the most beautifully played and sung accounts on record and film’.

Cast:
- Elis: Daniel Johansson (tenor)
- Els: Elisabet Strid (soprano)
- The Fool: Michael Laurenz (tenor)
- The King: Tuomas Pursio (bass-baritone)
- The Queen: Doke Pauwels (actor)