ARIBERT REIMANN (b.1936): Medea.

Description: Not the same performance as the one we offered in February on DVD. Reimann's music is a tour de force for the singers; breathtakingly virtuosic without ever being literally breathtaking; the composer's skill in writing for the voice is, as usual, exemplary. The orchestra plays a major participatory role too; frequently divided into almost chamber-like groupings, it provides characterisation that counterpoints the actual characters on stage. When necessary the full forces are unleashed; the expressionistic climax in the murder scene (which takes place offstage, but the shattering music and clever stage effects leave one in no doubt as to what is happening) is tremendously effective. 2 CDs. German libretto. Claudia Barainsky (soprano), Tanja Ariane Baumgartner (mezzo), Michael Nagy (baritone), Michael Baba (tenor), Franfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra; Erik Nielsen.