Search - Paul Dessau, Ruth Schob-Lipka, Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Dessau/Brecht: Die Verurteilung des Lukullus

An important release

G.D. | Norway | 11/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Dessau/Brecht collaboration `The Condemnation of Lucullus' must be one of the most harrowing listening experiences you can have. The work reached an almost canonical position in East Germany (and some recognition in the West as well), but was initially controversial based on accusations of formalism. Indeed, this is on a different level of power compared to the more well-known Weill/Brecht collaborations, in part because Dessau seems to have struggled most of his life reconciling his avant-garde inclination and his adherence to socialist realism. The end effect is musically something like a dark cabaret setting of Wozzeck. The orchestral band is enhanced with, among other things, a trautonium which is used for chilling effect (especially in the final scene). Performances are more than decent from both vocalists and orchestra, and the sound, if a little constricted, does the work full service."