Peter Heise - Drot Og Marsk - The King And The Lord Marshal / Unicorn Records 2x LP 

RHS 372/73 

Inga Nielsen, Irene Graaner, Ib Hansen, Ole Jensen, Tonny Landy, Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Conducted By John Frandsen

Product Details:

• Label: Unicorn
• Format: 2x Vinyl
• Country: Denmark
• Released: 2025
• Genre: Classical Opera

Overview

Drot og Marsk (The King and the Lord Marshal) is a significant work by Danish composer Peter Heise (1830-1879), based on the historical events surrounding the murder of King Erik Glipping in 1286. This opera, set in a romanticized medieval Denmark, explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and political intrigue. It tells the story of the conspiracy led by the Lord Marshal Stig and his betrayal of King Erik, culminating in the king's tragic assassination.

The opera is structured in four acts, featuring a rich orchestral score performed by the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of John Frandsen. Heise’s work, though not widely known outside Denmark, represents a striking example of late Romanticism, blending vivid historical narrative with dramatic musical expression. The libretto is in Danish, with an English translation included in the booklet.

This particular recording, produced with the collaboration of Danmarks Radio, features notable Danish performers such as Ib Hansen as the Lord Marshal, Ole Jensen as King Erik, and Inga Nielsen as Aase. The work is a remarkable combination of Danish national history and the operatic tradition, making it a must-have for opera enthusiasts and those interested in Scandinavian cultural heritage.

Track Listing:

Side 1:

1. Act One, Scene 1 (A Clearing in the Forest near Skanderborg) – 8:14
2. Act One, Scene 2 (Concluded) – 26:15

Side 2:

1. Act Two, Scene 1 (A Hall in Marshal Stig's Castle) – 26:43

Side 3:

1. Act Three, Scene 1 (A Hall in King Erik's Castle at Skanderborg) – 33:04

Side 4:

1. Act Four, Scene 1 (The People's Council at Viborg) – 7:15
2. Act Four, Scene 2 (A Barn in Finderup) – 7:30

Key Credits:

• Lord Marshal (Marsken): Ib Hansen
• King Erik (Kong Erik): Ole Jensen
• Rane: Tonny Landy
• Ingeborg: Irene Graaner
• Aase: Inga Nielsen
• Jacob: Lars Stendevad
• Grand: Per Johansen
• Herold: Mogens Schmidt Johansen
• Arved: Jørn Tell
• The Conspirators (De Sammensvorne): Claus Nørby, Mogens Berg, Børge Nielsen, Carl Chr. Rasmussen, Jørn Tell, Peter Rasmussen
• Conductor: John Frandsen
• Assistant Conductor: Sv. S. Schultz
• Sound Engineer: Ingolf Gabold
• Producer: Erik Schack