Weber: Der Freischütz London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis

• Carl Maria von Weber (1786 - 1826): Der Freischütz:
• 1 Overture 10:37
• Der Freischütz, Act I:
• 2 Introduction - "Victoria!" 05:45
• 3 Terzett mit Chor - "O! diese Sonne" 06:59
• 4 Scene, Walzer und Arie - "Nein! Langer trag' ich nicht die Qualen" 09:26
• 5 Lied - "Hier im ird'schen Jammerthal" 02:36
• 6 Arie - "Schweig'!" 03:44
• Der Freischütz, Act II:
• 7 Duett - "Schelm! halt fest!" 05:01
• 8 Ariette - "Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen" 04:07
• 9 Scene und Arie - "Wie nahte mir der Schlummer" 08:55
• 10 Terzett - "Wie? Was? Entsetzen!" 07:06
• 11 Finale - "Die Wolfsschlucht" 18:08
• Der Freischütz, Act III:
• 12 Entre-Acte 02:03
• 13 Cavatine - "Und ob die Wolke sie verhulle" 05:30
• 14 Romanze und Arie - "Einst traumte meiner sel'gen Base" 06:50
• 15 Volkslied - "Wir winden dir den Jungfernkranz" 04:10
• 16 Jagerchor - "Was gleicht wohl auf Erden" 02:51
• 17 Finale - "Schaut, o schaut!" 18:47
• Total Runtime 02:02:35

Info for Weber: Der Freischütz

Sir Colin Davis conducts the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and a stellar cast of soloists in a concert performance of Weber’s eerily fantastical opera, 'Der Freischütz'.

'Der Freischütz' is heralded as one of the cornerstones of Romantic opera, drawing on traditional German folk tunes and elements of Romanticism for the first time in the history of opera. The evocative and colourful orchestration is particularly impressive in the '‘Wolf’s Glen’ scene: often considered the most gruesomely expressive rendering of evil to be found in a musical score!

All three main soloists are well established on LSO Live: Opera News declared the Verdi Requiem (LSO00683), featuring Christine Brewer, as "one of the finest recordings the work has ever received". Sally Matthews, who has performed regularly with Sir Colin Davis, was praised in her role in Haydn's 'Creation' (LSO0628). Simon O’Neill’s previous appearance on the label, in the title role of Verdi's 'Otello' (LSO0700) saw much critical acclaim, and confirmation that "he is the best heroic tenor to emerge over the last decade" The Telegraph.

"This is a sincere reading of the work, but sincerity should not be confused with a lack of sophistication. The orchestral textures are pristine, the tempos and colours bracing and plaintive, with faultless work from clarinettist Chris Richards." (BBC Music Magazine)

"The joys of the performance lie in the way the acoustical demands of the work have been met" (Financial Times)

"If Davis's handling of the score lacks the dramatic punch of the Kleibers' readings, there are some fine things here - his phrasing of the score's many lyrical moments, the playing of the orchestra and the careful and exciting casting. Simon O'Neill is virtually perfect for Max, not too über-Heldentenor and not too light." (Gramophone Magazine)

"Brewer is an Agathe of exceptional beauty and poise. Sally Matthews’ lovely Ännchen is so riveting that she could just as well have been singing Agathe. Simon O’Neill’s Max is neither too Wagnerian nor too Mozartean...this last opera recording by Sir Colin Davis is worth acquiring for all admirers of this uniquely enticing conductor. A worthy memorial." (MusicWeb International)

"Davis plays scrupulous attention to Weber’s orchestral subtleties, which he cherishes as lovingly as a good Berliozian should…Christine Brewer floats a lovely tone in ‘Leise, leise’ and especially ‘Und ob die Wolke’. There is no dialogue, but some fine orchestral playing… with Davis drawing a memorably brooding atmosphere from all his players." (Opera)

Christine Brewer, soprano (Agathe)
Sally Matthews, soprano (Ännchen)
Lars Woldt, bass (Kaspar)
Simon O’Neill, tenor (Max)
Stephan Loges, bass-baritone (Ottokar/Zamiel)
Martin Snell, bass (Kuno)
Gidon Saks, bass-baritone (A Hermit)
Marcus Farnsworth, baritone (Kilian)
Lucy Hall, soprano (Bridesmaids)
London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Sir Colin Davis, conductor

Sir Colin Davis
The traditional road to success for a conductor used to be an apprenticeship in an opera house as a coach, playing the piano for singers in rehearsal. Colin Davis chose another route, partly by necessity. Unable to play the piano, he was not allowed into the conducting course at the Royal College of Music in London. So, he achieved an important international career by taking the initiative to form ensembles and conduct for friends at first. Early successes included the founding of the Chelsea Opera Group, a company which to this day gives performances of little known operas in concert.

Davis was soon working with professional orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony. His first ‘break’ was at Sadler’s Wells in 1958 when his conducting of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio began a lifelong connection with that composer. The Edinburgh Festival followed along with Glyndebourne. His concert career blossomed in the mid 1960′s alongside his opera work and his other passion for Berlioz began to bring him to the attention of record lovers. He has recorded all the major works of Berlioz, including the first complete (and still regarded as the landmark) recording of Les Troyens.

Davis has enjoyed a career-long affiliation with Philips Classics, recording along with Berlioz, Mozart, the complete symphonies of Sibelius (while he was Principal Guest Conductor of the Boston Symphony in the 1970s) and much more.

Booklet for Weber: Der Freischütz