Daphne

Richard Strauss (1864–1949)

DESCRIPTION

Maria Reining was a singer whose combination of elegance and vocal power made her a natural interpreter of Richard Strauss. In Daphne, a role somewhat lighter in weight than many of the composer’s other heroines, she finds an especially good fit. Her soprano retains a luminous, shimmering quality throughout, well suited to the part’s pastoral lyricism while still capable of meeting its more expansive demands.

Anton Dermota, as Leukippos, brings a distinctly Mozartian grace to the role, his phrasing marked by ease and clarity. This provides an effective foil to the more commanding presence of Karl Friedrich’s Apollo, whose imperious bearing establishes a clear dramatic contrast within the central triangle.

CAST

Peneios – HERBERT ALSEN
Gaea – MELANIE FRUTSCHNIGG
Daphne – MARIA REINING
Leukippos – ANTON DERMOTA
Apollo – KARL FRIEDRICH
Erster Schäfer – GEORG MONTHY
Zweiter Schäfer – RICHARD SALLABA
Dritter Schäfer – HANS SCHWEIGER
Vierter Schäfer – HERMANN BAIER
Erste Magd – EMMY LOOSE
Zweite Magd – MARIA SCHOBER

DETAILS

Location: Wien
Date: May, 1944
Conductor: Karl Böhm
Catalogue Number: OD 12358-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

BONUS

Maria Reining Sings Arias From Ariadne auf Naxos
Wien, 1944