Der Vampyr

Heinrich Marschner (1795–1861)

DESCRIPTION

Der Vampyr by Heinrich Marschner brings together Gothic supernatural elements with an emerging Romantic expressiveness, resulting in a work that suggests an extension of Der Freischütz, while at moments anticipating the darker tonal world of Der fliegende Holländer. The drama is shaped to a significant degree by the orchestra, whose imaginative use of instrumental color and registration establishes much of the opera’s atmosphere and tension.

The vocal writing, by contrast, remains grounded in a bel canto idiom, demanding poise and control from its singers. The cast meets these requirements with assurance, most notably Liane Synek as Malwine. Her silvery soprano floats with ease above the orchestral texture while maintaining a sense of restraint that suits the expressive character of the line. The result is a performance that balances elegance with a quiet dramatic intensity.

CAST

Sir Humprey – LEO HEPPE
Malwine – LIANE SYNEK
Edgar Aubry – FRITZ SPERLBAUER
Lord Ruthwen – GEORG OEGGL
Sir Berkley – PETER LAGGER
Janthe – GISELA RATHAUSCHER
Georg Diddin – KURT EQUILUZ
Emmy – TRAUTE SKLADAL
Toms Blunt – JOHANNES BLAHA
James Gadshill – KURT EQUILUZ
Richard Scrop – ERICH KUCHAR
Robert Green – PETER LAGGER
Suse – MARIA NUSSBAUMER
Der Vampyrmeister – WOLFGANG WEISE

DETAILS

Location: Vienna
Date: April 9, 1951
Conductor: Kurt Tenner
Catalogue Number: OD 12361-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

BONUS

Liane Synek Sings Arias From Un Ballo in maschera