WERNER EGK (1901-1983): Der Revisor.

Description: This 1957 comedy was based on a short story by Gogol about a corrupt provincial town whose officials have been warned that a governement inspector is on his way there. They mistake a spendthrift traveler at the town's inn to be the inspector and the usual train of events subsequent to the mistaken identity ensue. Egk's characterization of the various characters sticks close to Gogol and his musical toolbox employs forward-driving, throbbing rhythms like Orff, spiky wind writing like Stravinsky, imitations of Russian folk music styles (and one authentic folk song melody is quoted), a parody of French chanson... whatever is needed by the characters and their actions. An English translation would have helped but collectors of 20th century German opera know that this is usually asking too much. 2 CDs. German libretto. Douglas Nasrawi (tenor), Nikolai Galkin, Michael Dries (basses), Janet Walker (mezzo), Cornelia Zink (soprano), Augsburg Philharmonic Orchestra; Hans Norbert Bihlmaier.