Riccardo Chailly conducts Gurre-Lieder
Schönberg’s monumental cantata for symphony orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists
A once-in-a-lifetime experience: conductor emeritus Riccardo Chailly leads the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Schönberg’s overwhelming Gurre-Lieder.
The work’s many highlights include the Wood Dove’s Song and the orchestral depiction of Waldemar’s undead vassals shaking their chains and storming through the castle.
Concert programme
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Arnold Schönberg
Gurre-Lieder
Performers
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Riccardo Chailly
conductor emeritus, chief conductor 1988-2004
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Robert Holl
baritone
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Camilla Nylund
soprano
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Ekaterina Semenchuk
mezzo soprano
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Andreas Schager
tenor
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Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
tenor
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Wolfgang Koch
bass
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Netherlands Radio Choir
choir
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Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks
choir
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Laurens Symfonisch
choir
About this concert
Arnold Schönberg was born 150 years ago, and the Concertgebouw Orchestra will celebrate that occasion with a unique performance of his Gurre-Lieder. This monumental and gripping cantata is a pinnacle of the Late Romantic Era, but it is rarely performed because of the massive number of musicians required. In 1921, the Concertgebouw Orchestra played the piece twice under the direction of Arnold Schönberg himself. More than a hundred years later, our conductor emeritus Riccardo Chailly will lead the orchestra in the wonderful Gurre-Lieder.
The medieval Danish Gurre Castle forms the setting for this tragic love affair between King Waldemar and his mistress Tove. The work’s many highlights include the Wood Dove’s Song and the orchestral representation of Waldemar’s undead vassals shaking their chains as they storm through the castle.
Schönberg’s Gurre-Lieder tops the wish lists of many conductors, not only because of the massive forces required for its performance, but also because of the work’s stunning musical details. Riccardo Chailly has for many years been a champion of the music of Arnold Schönberg. During Chailly’s tenure as chief conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, he regularly programmed Schönberg’s music, although he never had the opportunity to conduct the Gurre-Lieder in Amsterdam. But now, the moment has arrived: for the first time in over a hundred years, the Concertgebouw Orchestra will perform Schönberg’s monumental Gurre-Lieder.
Dates and tickets
About this concert
Arnold Schönberg was born 150 years ago, and the Concertgebouw Orchestra will celebrate that occasion with a unique performance of his Gurre-Lieder. This monumental and gripping cantata is a pinnacle of the Late Romantic Era, but it is rarely performed because of the massive number of musicians required. In 1921, the Concertgebouw Orchestra played the piece twice under the direction of Arnold Schönberg himself. More than a hundred years later, our conductor emeritus Riccardo Chailly will lead the orchestra in the wonderful Gurre-Lieder.
The medieval Danish Gurre Castle forms the setting for this tragic love affair between King Waldemar and his mistress Tove. The work’s many highlights include the Wood Dove’s Song and the orchestral representation of Waldemar’s undead vassals shaking their chains as they storm through the castle.
Schönberg’s Gurre-Lieder tops the wish lists of many conductors, not only because of the massive forces required for its performance, but also because of the work’s stunning musical details. Riccardo Chailly has for many years been a champion of the music of Arnold Schönberg. During Chailly’s tenure as chief conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, he regularly programmed Schönberg’s music, although he never had the opportunity to conduct the Gurre-Lieder in Amsterdam. But now, the moment has arrived: for the first time in over a hundred years, the Concertgebouw Orchestra will perform Schönberg’s monumental Gurre-Lieder.