Martin, F: Der Sturm - Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir

An opera in three acts. Libretto by Schlegel, after Shakespeare

Robert Holl (Prospero), Christine Buffle (Miranda), Ethan Herschenfeld (Alonso), Josef Wagner (Sebastian), James Gilchrist (Antonio), Andreas Macco (Gonzalo, Ein Schiffspatron), Simon O’Neill (Ferdinand), Marcel Beekman (Adrian), Dennis Wilgenhof (Caliban), Roman Sadnik (Trinculo), André Morsch (Stephano) & Thomas Oliemans (Bootsmann)

This recording marks a significant event in the Hyperion catalogue. Not only is Frank Martin’s wonderful three-act opera Der Sturm the first full-length live opera recording on the Hyperion label, it is also a rarely staged important twentieth century masterpiece.

Based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this groundbreaking performance was given by the impressive Netherlands Radio Philharmonic under the baton of Thierry Fischer. The orchestra unfailingly matches the energy and passion of the performers on stage who make up an impressive cast. Robert Holl conveys a magisterial Prospero, Simon O’Neill is Ferdinand, Dennis Wilgenhof is Caliban, Christine Buffle sings Miranda and James Gilchrist makes an appearance as Antonio.

Written towards the end of his life, and taking almost three years to complete, Der Sturm emerges as one Martin’s most inventive works. The composer has synthesized all his experience in order to do full justice to the shimmering facets of the original play. This rare opportunity to hear the full opera in its original language is not to be missed.

July 2011

“...a score of such luminous beauty, and such a sure sense of dramatic timing, that it's a mystery that we've had to wait until now to hear it in its entirety...the singing is consistently sensitive and secure and it's matched by the superb playing of the Netherlands [RSO]. Fischer's conducting is quite magnificent: full of attention to detail and ideally paced too...the result is a major operatic release that is not only distinguished but also truly inspiring.”