Schnittke: Historia Von D. Johann Fausten / RCA VICTOR Red Seal – World Premiere Recording (2-Disc Compact Digital Audio Set)

Title: Historia von d. Johann Fausten
Composer: Alfred Schnittke (b. 1934)
Format: 2-Disc Compact Digital Audio Set
UPC: 090266841325
Label: ADA VICTO Red Seal / BMG Classics
Conductor: Gerd Albrecht
Orchestra & Chorus: Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg – Chor der Hamburgischen Staatsoper
Recording Type: Live World Premiere Recording
Distribution: Distributed by SMG, New York, NY (USA)
Total Playing Time:
• Disc 1: 42:15
• Disc 2: 58:35

Product Details

Overview

Experience a groundbreaking moment in contemporary opera with Historia von d. Johann Fausten by Alfred Schnittke—the world premiere recording now available on ADA VICTO Red Seal. This opera, presented in three acts and an epilogue, features a libretto co-written by Jörg Morgener and Alfred Schnittke based on a legendary collection of stories from 1587 (Hamburg version). The dramatic narrative, which re-imagines the tale of Doctor Johann Faustus, is brought to life by an exceptional ensemble of soloists, including portrayals of Mephostophiles (the serving spirit), the captivating Mephostophila (the beautiful Helena), and a host of memorable characters such as the Erzähler (narrator) and the three students—all supported by the superb Philharmonic forces of Hamburg under the baton of Gerd Albrecht.

French Translation – Overview (Présentation)

Vivez un moment révolutionnaire de l’opéra contemporain avec Historia von d. Johann Fausten d’Alfred Schnittke – l’enregistrement en première mondiale désormais disponible sur ADA VICTO Red Seal. Cette œuvre, présentée en trois actes et un épilogue, propose un livret coécrit par Jörg Morgener et Alfred Schnittke, inspiré d’un recueil légendaire de récits datant de 1587 (version hambourgeoise). Le récit dramatique, qui réinvente l’histoire du Docteur Johann Faustus, prend vie grâce à un ensemble exceptionnel de solistes, comprenant les interprétations de Mephostophiles (le génie serviteur), de la fascinante Mephostophila (la belle Hélena) et d’une galerie de personnages mémorables tels que l’Erzähler (narrateur) et les trois étudiants – le tout soutenu par la remarquable formation du Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Hamburg et du Chor der Hamburgischen Staatsoper, dirigés par Gerd Albrecht.

Key Product Information

• Opera Structure: Opera in three acts with an epilogue
• Libretto: By Jörg Morgener and Alfred Schnittke, based on a 1587 collection of legends (Hamburg version)
• Roles Include:
  • Doctor Johann Faustus
  • Erzähler (Narrator)
  • Mephostophiles – Dienstbarer Geist des Faust
  • Mephostophila – Die schöne Helena
  • Der Alte
  • Drei Studenten
• Featured Soloists: (Including but not limited to)
  • Jürgen Freier
  • Eberhard Lorenz
  • Arno Raunig
  • Hanna Schwarz
  • Eberhard Büchner
  • Jonathan Barreto-Ramos
  • Christoph Johannes Wendel
  • Jürgen Fersch
• Conductor: Gerd Albrecht
• Recording Venue & Date: Live world premiere performance

Product Features

• World Premiere Recording:
  Be among the first to experience the live world premiere of Schnittke’s innovative opera, capturing a historic performance that merges contemporary musical language with timeless legendary themes.

• Dramatic and Innovative Libretto:
  The opera’s unique libretto, based on the traditional Faust legend (from 1587) and reimagined in the Hamburg version, delivers a fresh theatrical perspective enhanced by Schnittke’s distinct musical voice.

• Outstanding Performances:
  The exceptional cast—featuring renowned soloists in roles such as Doctor Johann Faustus and his enigmatic counterparts—brings a dynamic stage to life, supported by the impeccable precision of the Hamburg State Orchestra and Chorus.

• High-Quality Digital Audio:
  Digitally remastered and presented in a 2-disc set, this recording provides an immersive listening experience for operatic enthusiasts and collectors seeking a definitive document of modern opera history.

Interesting Facts

• Historical Significance:
  This opera represents one of Schnittke’s bold ventures into the modern operatic repertoire, fusing postmodern musical techniques with traditional narrative elements from a 16th‑century legend.

• Collaborative Excellence:
  The world premiere production, under the meticulous direction of Gerd Albrecht, solidified Schnittke’s reputation as an innovative composer and has since become a landmark performance captured for posterity.

• Cultural Impact:
  By reinterpreting the Faust myth with contemporary relevance, Historia von d. Johann Fausten continues to inspire discussions among critics and scholars, cementing its place in the evolving landscape of modern opera.

French Translation – Interesting Facts (Faits Intéressants)

• Importance Historique :
  Cette œuvre représente l’une des initiatives audacieuses de Schnittke dans le répertoire opératique moderne, fusionnant des techniques musicales postmodernes avec des éléments narratifs traditionnels issus d’une légende du XVIe siècle.

• Excellence Collaborative :
  La production en première mondiale, dirigée avec minutie par Gerd Albrecht, a renforcé la réputation de Schnittke en tant que compositeur innovant, devenant ainsi une performance emblématique immortalisée pour la postérité.

• Impact Culturel :
  En réinterprétant le mythe de Faust avec une pertinence contemporaine, Historia von d. Johann Fausten continue d’inspirer les critiques et les universitaires, consolidant sa place dans le paysage en constante évolution de l’opéra moderne.

Publishers

This world premiere digital audio recording is presented by ADA VICTO Red Seal in collaboration with BMG Classics. Recorded live and distributed by SMG in New York, this release is a definitive document of Alfred Schnittke’s Historia von d. Johann Fausten. Meticulously engineered and packaged, it reflects the highest standards of modern classical music production.
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Hashtags

English

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French

#OpéraSchnittke #FaustOpéra #PremièreMondiale #GerdAlbrecht #OpéraModerne #ADAVICTO #RedSealClassics #InnovationOpératique #OpéraContemporain #BMGClassics