About Christoph von Dohnányi

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Editorial Reviews

The August 6, 1966, premiere of Hans Werner Henze's opera "Die Bassariden" at the Salzburg Festival has, over time, become regarded as a justly famous event. It isn't often that you can travel back in time and take a front row seat for such a show, but in the case of Orfeo's first-time release of the recording of this event, you can. This production also proved an early triumph for its 36-year-old conductor, Christoph von Dohnányi.

"Die Bassariden" is nowhere near as difficult a listen now as it may have been in 1966. While there are occasional dramatic stings that go a little over the top, most of it is no more difficult than average current-day movie music. The operatic and dramatic components of the work are seamlessly developed, and the action is easy to follow even without an English-language libretto (an English summary is included). Also included is the intermezzo "Das Urtell der Kalliope," originally presented as a centerpiece within the opera, but since 1966 withheld from most productions of "Die Bassariden" at the request of the composer. The singing, acting, and orchestral playing are all just great -- what an amazing night this must've been at the Salzburg Festival!

The master tape plays with a somewhat shrill top, a weak bottom end, and a tiny bit of hiss. Fanciers of historic opera recordings will regard the sound as more than satisfactory; others may take exception. If you have a strong interest in opera as it developed in the turbulent scene of the 1960s, this Orfeo disc is one you can't afford to miss. Uncle Dave Lewis, All Music Guide

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