Der König Kandaules (King Candaules) - Alexander Zemlinsky
Information about the opera Der König Kandaules by Alexander Zemlinsky, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Zemlinsky's last opera, based on the tragedy Le Roi Candaule by André Gide, combines a disturbing plot with a voluptuous score. The score remained incomplete after Zemlinsky's death, until 1988 when Zemlinsky biographer and musicologist Antony Beaumont finished the orchestration of the score with the approval of Zemlinsky's widow. It was first performed in 1996.
Recommended recordings on CD
Nagano/Brubaker/Schöne (Andante AN3070)
Recorded at the Salzburg Festival 2002, this outstanding performance with a flawless cast is well recorded, and beautifully presented with a hardbound libretto and synopsis.
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, conducted by Kent Nagano, 2002.
Cast: Robert Brubaker (König Kandaules), Wolfgang Schöne (Gyges), Nina Stemme (Nyssia), Mel Ulrich (Phedros).
Andante AN3070
Albrecht/O'Neal/Pederson (Capriccio 60 071/2)
Hamburg State Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerd Albrecht, 1996.
Cast: James O'Neal (König Kandaules), Monte Pederson (Gyges), Nina Warren (Nyssia), Klaus Häger (Phedros).
Capriccio 60 071/2