Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz (Edinburgh International Festival, 2004, Martinpelto, Tynan) (320kbps .mp3)


A rare chance to hear Weber's Der Freischütz, widely considered one of the first masterpieces in German Romantic opera. An immediate success, the opera premiered in Berlin in 1821 and was soon performed regularly throughout Europe and beyond.

The plot revolves around the forester-hero, Max (tenor Jonas Kaufmann), once an excellent marksman but who has seemingly lost his touch. How far will he go to win the hand of his beloved Agathe (soprano Hillevi Martinpelto)?

01. Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz, Act I
01a. Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz, introductory commentary
02. Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz, Act II
02a. Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz, commentary after Act I
03. Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz, Act III
03a. Carl Maria von Weber - Der Freischutz, commentary after Act II

Sir Charles Mackerras conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus.

First broadcast and recorded in 2004 from the Edinburgh International Festival.

Presented by Christopher Cook.

Agathe ..... Hillevi Martinpelto (soprano)
Ännchen ..... Ailish Tynan (soprano)
Max ..... Jonas Kaufmann (tenor)
Kilian ..... Ronan Collet (baritone)
Ottakar ..... Christopher Maltman (baritone)
Kaspar ..... John Relyea (bass-baritone)
Voice of Samiel, Kuno ..... Siegfried Vogel (bass)
Hermit ..... Matthew Rose (bass)
Bridesmaids ..... Carolyn Dobbin, Catriona Holt, Gail Johnson, Madeleine Shaw (mezzo sopranos)
Philharmonia Chorus (Chorus Master Robert Dean)
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras (conductor)