Rudolf Kempe - R.Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos (1968) [2020 SACD Definition Serie]

First released the monumental ``Ariadne auf Naxos'', the first of a series of R. Strauss recordings by Kempe and the Staatskapelle Dresden, recorded in 1968 as a collaboration between Electrola and Deutsche Schallplatten. Reprinted on SACD. Like the complete collection of orchestral pieces that will be recorded later, this recording is famous as the definitive record in record history. Together with both singers, the precisely placed singers, and the entire production team at the time put all their efforts into creating a masterpiece.


This "Ariadne" was the first R. Strauss recording with the Staatskapelle Dresden (hereinafter referred to as SKD), prior to the monumental R. Strauss complete orchestral works left by Kempe on the former EMI label. It is a work of art, and it is a highly complete sound source that should have been recorded as an opera after this (were there also plans to record an opera after this?). Unfortunately, it did not continue after that, but this one work was such that Kempe and SKD's achievements will forever be etched in the history of opera recording, and it can be said to be a work that opera lovers can't resist. The selection of the singers shows the high level of awareness they put into this project, and the fact that engineer C. Struben from the former East Germany is participating also raises expectations. The recording is also excellent, and it is hard to believe that the orchestra consists of 37 members (there is no chorus). This is, of course, largely due to the genius of Strauss's orchestration, but it is also a result of Kempe's ability to masterfully control the reins of this unique piece. This work has tended to be obscured until now, so even though it is a maniac as a reprint, I chose it this time. I am convinced that this is an important sound source that cannot be left out among Kempe's many recordings.

*As it is a machine translation, the result may not provide an accurate description.
Please use it only as a reference.


Tracks:

Richard Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60, TrV 228a

Disc 1
The Prologue

Disc 2
The Opera

Personnel:

Staatskapelle Dresden
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

Recorded: June & july 1968, Lukaskirche, Dresdenn