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Price: $59.99 Prices subject to change.Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
EAN: 0028946022726 Label: Polygram Records Manufacturer: Polygram Records Number Of Discs: 2 Publisher: Polygram Records Release Date: August 10, 1999 Studio: Polygram Records Editorial Review: Amazon.com: You could certainly be forgiven for not having heard Maskarade. Although it became Denmark's "national opera" almost from its premiere in 1906, it hasn't traveled. That's our loss, as it's also one of the few comic operas of the 20th century to exude genuine, life-enhancing comedy. The plot isn't simply described: like Smetana's The Bartered Bride, it concerns the goings-on at a specific time and place--with all the misunderstandings and reconciliations this implies. It's also very much an ensemble opera, the cast dovetailing their roles into each other at high speed, and this aspect comes over so well here. Even without visuals, you're drawn into the thick of the action and held there for the two-and-a-half hours it takes to resolve the many confusions. Aage Haugland and Susanne Resmark are fully in tune with their characters, but it's invidious to single out soloists in what is a fine all-around performance, conducted with gusto by Ulf Schirmer. Go ahead, indulge yourself. --Richard Whitehouse Average Rating:
 Rating: - Can I see it live, please?!!What a masterpiece! Every aspect of Nielsen's style is in this opera. You can hear elements of each symphony, the concertos, even his solo music. The story itself, and the history of the opera and its incorporation to Denemark's identity is amazing. So here you are...Great solos, great ensemble sining, great orchestral interludes, and if you can visualize it, great ballet. You do not need my recommendation. Buy this recording before it is unavailable. You will be thankful! Rating: - Incredible discNielsen's MASKARADE is a phenomenal opera and this is a phenomenal performance. The music is absolutely entrancing and, like all of Nielsen's mature music, 100% original and instantaneously recognizable as Carl Nielsen. Although written in 1905, MASKARADE is noticeably grounded in the spirit of the 18th century, specifically in the music of Mozart and the drama of the Danish playwright Ludvig Holberg. Based on one of Holberg's comic plays, the opera revolves around the central Enlightenment ... Read More Rating: - Charming OperaLike some other reviewers, I discovered this work by accident. Presumably because the libretto was written in Danish, it is very rarely performed and appears to be almost unknown outside of Denmark. The music is just delightful, written in a spritely neoclassical style. This is an excellent recording with excellent singing and orchestral performances. Rating: - First-class recording/performancesI ran across a copy of this 2-CD set when I was looking for something else. Being a lover of Nielsen and other Danish composers, I picked it up and thought I'd give it a try. The sound on the recording is quite marvelous. The Danish National Radio Symphony and Choir sound fantastic. It's a inspired performance. The soloists in general sound marvelous and it's just a fun opera all around. Highly recommended. Rating: - Spectacular performance of a Danish musical gem!This recording of Maskerade, a Mozartean opera buffo by Nielsen, is simply splendid. Based on a play by Holberg, it has a standard comedic plot twist of mistaken identities. The music is highly approachable and very, very well recorded. The singers are excellent and had me laughing through both disks! This is indeed a 20th century operatic masterpiece (and, I believe, THE Danish national opera). A must for all lovers of opera. If you like Nielsen's "Inextinguishable" Symphony, you are going to love ... Read More |
