Arnold Schoenberg, Stuttgart State Orchestra and Opera Chorus, Roland Kluttig - Moses und Aron
STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21223- LABEL: Naxos 866015859 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Steven Whitehead
In 1921 Arnold Schoenberg left his home in Austria because of the rising tide of anti-Semitism and by 1933 he had arrived in the USA and returned to his Jewish faith. Some of these tribulations can be heard in this opera that was not performed until six years after Schoenberg's death in 1951. It is based upon the events described in the Exodus and the conflict between the beliefs of the two central characters is reflected in the music. It is a great story and if you do not know it you should read the Book without delay. But what of the music? One critic said that this opera is admired without being liked and one can see - and hear - why. Schoenberg was developing a new way of composing and one could draw parallels with what Picasso was trying to do in art. If we accept this analogy, 'Moses und Aron' is Schoenberg's 'Guernica': impressive, challenging but not intended to bring pleasure. Having said this, Roland Kluttig and the Stuttgart State Orchestra, State Opera Chorus and 11 soloists give their collective all in a live recording from 2003. The budget price of this release allows us to give it a qualified recommendation but do not expect an easy listen.
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