Korngold: Wunder Der Heliane [Sara Jakubiak; Josef Wagner; Brian Jagde; Okka von der Damerau; Marc Albrecht] [Naxos: 2110584-85] [DVD] [2019] [NTSC]

Description

Das Wunder der Heliane is based on Hans Kaltnekers mystery play Die Heilige concerning an unnamed Ruler, a Stranger, the heroine Heliane and the redemptive power of love. It is Korngolds most extravagant stage work and one that he considered to be his greatest score. Written for a huge ensemble, masterfully used, the music possesses voluptuous sweep and hyper-Romanticism. Its intensity is emphasised through an intoxicating array of effects, propulsive rhythms and glorious vocal lyricism, its arc of climaxes building from one act to another. This revelatory new Berlin staging in 2018 enjoyed an unprecedented 20-minute ovation at its premiere.