ZDENEK FIBICH (1850-1900): The Bride of Messina.
Catalogue Number: 07S042
Label: CPO
Reference: 777 981-2
Format: CD
Price: $31.98
Description: Fibich chose to stick closely to Schiller’s original play wich reconstructed ancient Greek dramatic practice concentrating on monologues and commenting choruses. He is close to Wagner in musical declamation but closely derives is musical lines from Czech speech-rhythms but, aside from these moments, which can be touchingly lyrical, chorus and orchestra carry the main burden throughout. Severity rules; don’t expect any rustic peasant dance episodes in this one! 2 CDs. Czech-English libretto. Lucia Cervoni (mezzo), Thomas Florio (baritone), Richard Samek (tenor), Noa Danon (soprano), Opera Chorus of Magdeburg Theatre, Magdeburg Philharmonic; Kimbo Ishii.