Ruders: Kafka's Trial

Description

Following the success of 'The Handmaid's Tale' on CD in 2002, this new release presents the world premiere recording of Poul Ruders' opera 'Kafka's Trial, which was commissioned from the new Copenhagen Opera House in 2005. The opera tells the legendary and claustrophobic story of 'The Trial' from 1925 by Franz Kafka. Together with British librettist Paul Bentley, Ruders has developed the literary source into an opera score, weaving Kafka's own destiny into the intricate plot of the novel. The title role of Kafka is performed by Dutch-born tenor Johnny van Hal, who can also be heard in Rued Langgaard's 'Antikrist'. Other leading roles are performed by members of the Royal Danish Opera soloist ensemble and the mezzo-soprano Marianne R?©rholm, who achieved high critical acclaim for her performance of the title role in 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The young conductor Thomas S?©nderg?Ñrd had a remarkable break-through with the Royal Danish Orchestra in his debut performance of 'Kafka's Trial'. He has been highly praised for his masterly handling of the orchestra. \Kafka on trial - Opera fans in heaven ...The orchestra played brilliantly for its dynamic conductor. (New York Times) "A wonderfully secure musical performance under Thomas S?©nderg?Ñrd, and a relentlessly surreal production from Fransisco Negrin." (The Guardian) "Kafka's Trial proved a fruitful alliance between composer, librettist and an opera company revitalised by its new theatre and willing to experiment." (Opera)""