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Hummel - Mathilde von Guise | Brilliant Classics 94043

Hummel - Mathilde von Guise

Label: Brilliant Classics

Cat No: 94043

Barcode: 5028421940434

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 2

Genre: Opera

Release Date: 31st May 2010

This product has now been deleted. Information is for reference only.

Contents

Artists

Kristine Gailite
Philippe Do
Pierre-Yves Pruvot
Hjordis Thebault
Eva Suskova
Ondrej Saling
Martin Mikus
Marian Olszewsk
Solamente Naturali (on period instruments)

Conductor

Didier Talpain

Works

Hummel, Johann Nepomuk

Mathilde von Guise

Artists

Kristine Gailite
Philippe Do
Pierre-Yves Pruvot
Hjordis Thebault
Eva Suskova
Ondrej Saling
Martin Mikus
Marian Olszewsk
Solamente Naturali (on period instruments)

Conductor

Didier Talpain

About

Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837) was one of the greatest pianist composers of the early 19th century. His influence upon Schubert, Chopin and Liszt was profound, and his A minor and B minor piano concertos (1815/19) are fine examples of the early romantic concerto rivalled only by the masterworks of Beethoven. Today, however, it is probably his early (1803) trumpet concerto that he is best known for. A pity, as he was a truly well-rounded, sophisticated musician who, at his best, produced many fine works that are today beginning to re-appear in the repertoire.

He composed 15 operas, and none have been recorded until this release of Mathilde von Guise. Premiered in 1811 in Vienna, the opera was met with great acclaim, and in 1821 Hummel revised it for a new production, providing a ‘new’ overture (the earlier version’s overture is included at the end of CD2) which he had extracted from his ballet Sappho of Mitilene of 1812.

The work was performed in Weimar, Berlin and Riga, then fell from the repertoire until the performances that led to this recording in Laon, France in 2008. Hummel’s score is beautiful, and is a supreme example of post Mozartian grace, allied to the modern style of Cherubini, Weber and a hint of early Rossini. It is also possible to detect how a work such as Mathilde von Guise would have appealed to Mercadante and the young Verdi. The writing for the singers is demanding, and with the composer’s gift for melody and orchestration this is an important operatic recording premier.

World premiere recording.

Cast:
- Mathilde: Kristine Gailite
- Beaufort: Philippe Do
- Duke: Pierre-Yves Pruvot
- Baroness: Hjördis Thébault
- Claudina: Eva Suskova
- Valentino: Ondrej SˇAling
- Nicolo: Martin Mikus
- Leszensky: Marian Olszewsky

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