Bernd Alois Zimmermann (1918-1970)
Information about the composer Bernd Alois Zimmermann and his operas.
Operas:
Die Soldaten (The soldiers)
Zimmermann's only completed opera is considered one of the most important works written in the second half of the 20th century.
It is extremely difficult to perform, with complex scene changes, and the music requires a hundred-piece orchestra with many unusual instruments.
Recommended recordings on CD
Gielen/Gabry/Synek (Wergo WER6698-2)
A recording of the 1965 Cologne première, it's a great performance with excellent sound, despite being a mono recording
Cologne Gürzenich Orchestra, conducted by Michael Gielen.
Cast: Edith Gabry (Marie), Liane Synek (The Countess de la Roche), Anton de Ridder (Desportes), Claudio Nicolai (Stolzius), Zoltan Kelemen (Wesener).
Wergo WER6698-2 (mono)