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Schumann's only opera was a failure at its premiere in 1850 and has rarely been revived since. The failure must in part be blamed on Schumann's lack of practical experience with stage works - it doesn't help that the libretto is fairly weak either (Schumann sought but failed to follow Wagner's advice). In fact, the work cannot be ranked among Schumann's more inspired and original compositions, mostly because of slightly awkward dramatic pacing - but there are some wonderful themes and a wealth of masterly music here as well, and Harnoncourt's 1997 revival is certainly very welcome.
The famous overture is of course a highlight, and already from the start is Harnoncourt's Chamber Orchestra of Europe striking in their colorful spontaneity and elán. And throughout Harnoncourt's pacing of the work, relatively quick and almost fervent, provides for a thoroughly engaging listening experience. On the other hand, the drive and power seem to be to be of a very classical kind and Harnoncourt underplays the work's romantic passion. The Chamber Orchestra responds with an impressive attention to detail and the choral singing from the Arnold Schoenberg Choir is very good.
One of the main shortcomings of the opera is the lack of any really strong and memorable arias. Teldec has, however, assembled a very impressive cast; Ruth Ziesak is outstanding in the title role, with a pure and clear and voice and wonderful characterization. Marjana Lipovsek is equally characterful, and often cruelly intense as Margaretha. As for the male roles, Oliver Widmer makes as much as possible out of Count Siegfried, but the most impressive singing comes from the steady but expressive Deon van der Walt as Golo (unless one counts Quasthoff's superb contribution in the minor role of Drago).
I have not heard the main alternative version, the Kurt Masur one from 1970, which sports Schreier and Fischer-Dieskau in the leading male roles. While Harnoncourt's version is feisty and fiery, he does - as mentioned - sell the work a little short on passion, and it is certainly conceivable that Masur is more satisfying in that respect. In any case, Teldec's sound is fairly good if a little recessed and the version at hand is guaranteed to provide a lot of listening pleasure.
