Maskarade: I dette Land hvor solskin er saa kummerligt beskaaret
Maskarade: Det skal aldrig ske
Maskarade: Act Two: Forspil - Prelude
Maskarade: Hov, V?gter, Klokken er slagen otte
Maskarade: Mellem Kande, Krus og Potte
Maskarade: Ha-a-a! Ha-a-a! Ha!
Maskarade: Af Sted ! Af Sted !
Maskarade: Herre ! Herre ! Kom kun frem!
Maskarade: Men Herre, se! Som Venus steg af Havet
Maskarade: H?r, et Ord, Kavaler!
Track Listings (16) - Disc #2
Maskarade: Act Two: (cont.) Luk Op! Luk Op!
Maskarade: Porten Er Aaben, Borte Er Hoben
Maskarade: Se Saa! Se Saa! Nu Er Jeg Ret Bered
Maskarade: Act 3. Gaa Af Vejen! Gaa Af Vejen!
Maskarade: Giv Lyd, Godtfolk, At Vi Kan H Re Tonen!
Maskarade: At Slig Er Ungersvend I Sin Tale
Maskarade: Ulignelige Pige
Maskarade: Min S De Balsamb Sse
Maskarade: Hanedansen - Dance of the Cockerels
Maskarade: O Kom, Min Ven
Maskarade: Ak, Hr. Magister
Maskarade: GjoR Plads! GjoR Plads!
Maskarade: Hvor Bacchus Er, Maa Mars Og Venus VaeRe
Maskarade: Du Er Min Ven, Kom Lad Os Drikke Dus
Maskarade: Tramtrara! Tramtrara!
Maskarade: Kehraus! Kehraus! Dans Ud! Dans Ud!
You could certainly be forgiven for not having heard Maskarade. Although it became Denmark's "national opera" almost from its premiere in 1906, it hasn't traveled. That's our loss, as it's also one of the few comic operas ... more »of the 20th century to exude genuine, life-enhancing comedy. The plot isn't simply described: like Smetana's The Bartered Bride, it concerns the goings-on at a specific time and place--with all the misunderstandings and reconciliations this implies. It's also very much an ensemble opera, the cast dovetailing their roles into each other at high speed, and this aspect comes over so well here. Even without visuals, you're drawn into the thick of the action and held there for the two-and-a-half hours it takes to resolve the many confusions. Aage Haugland and Susanne Resmark are fully in tune with their characters, but it's invidious to single out soloists in what is a fine all-around performance, conducted with gusto by Ulf Schirmer. Go ahead, indulge yourself. --Richard Whitehouse« less
You could certainly be forgiven for not having heard Maskarade. Although it became Denmark's "national opera" almost from its premiere in 1906, it hasn't traveled. That's our loss, as it's also one of the few comic operas of the 20th century to exude genuine, life-enhancing comedy. The plot isn't simply described: like Smetana's The Bartered Bride, it concerns the goings-on at a specific time and place--with all the misunderstandings and reconciliations this implies. It's also very much an ensemble opera, the cast dovetailing their roles into each other at high speed, and this aspect comes over so well here. Even without visuals, you're drawn into the thick of the action and held there for the two-and-a-half hours it takes to resolve the many confusions. Aage Haugland and Susanne Resmark are fully in tune with their characters, but it's invidious to single out soloists in what is a fine all-around performance, conducted with gusto by Ulf Schirmer. Go ahead, indulge yourself. --Richard Whitehouse
CD Reviews
Carl Nielsen. The Great Danish Composer.
09/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carl Nielsen - the renown Danish composer - is perhaps best know for his outstanding 6 symphonies, where in particular the 3rd 4th 5th and 6th are some of the best 2000th century symphonies. Carl Nielsen - however - is also the composer of the modern Danish Songbook. He composed two large scale operas. First the grand, bombastic & somewhat sombre "Saul & David", composed in 1902, which no doubt shall find its followers in the 2100th century. But his 2nd Opera Maskarade composed in 1905 quickly became the Danish people's favourite. This is a modern Mozart opera at its best, great tunes, great music, fine singing. The only drawback is perhaps libretto in Danish, but still the 1996 recording preceeded a succesful European tour of many famous opera houses, which established Nielsen not only as s symphonist, but also as an outstanding composer of Opera. Lovers of Mozart, Donnizetti, Rossini will love Nielsen and his Italian/Danish influenced Maskarde. It includes music of strength and beauty and leads the way to many of Nielsen later and more modernistic works. Maskarade is no doubt the best Opera ever to come out of Scandinavia a country know for its cool climate and up front reserved people, but this opera shows their hidden charm and warmth.Note: For the literary minded the Danish "Moilere" - Ludwig Holberg - was the inspiration for Maskarade. This 2CD sets come with an attractive package including 241 pages liner notes and the libretto translated to German, English and French. Great for people who wishes to learn Danish."
Spectacular performance of a Danish musical gem!
01/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording of Maskerade, a Mozartean opera buffo by Nielsen, is simply splendid. Based on a play by Holberg, it has a standard comedic plot twist of mistaken identities. The music is highly approachable and very, very well recorded. The singers are excellent and had me laughing through both disks! This is indeed a 20th century operatic masterpiece (and, I believe, THE Danish national opera). A must for all lovers of opera. If you like Nielsen's "Inextinguishable" Symphony, you are going to love this!"
A must for opera or Nielsen lovers
Frank Paris | Beaverton, OR USA | 10/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you enjoyed the Chandos recording of Saul and David, you're going to love this Decca recording of Nielsen's Maskarade! If you're an opera lover, or a Nielsen lover, don't pass this up! The performance is wonderful, the music joyful and catchy (I was singing along the first time I heard it it was so catchy!), and the recording magnificent."
Charming Opera
R. Albin | Ann Arbor, Michigan United States | 03/31/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like some other reviewers, I discovered this work by accident. Presumably because the libretto was written in Danish, it is very rarely performed and appears to be almost unknown outside of Denmark. The music is just delightful, written in a spritely neoclassical style. This is an excellent recording with excellent singing and orchestral performances."
Can I see it live, please?!!
Andrew Petersen | kansas city | 08/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a masterpiece! Every aspect of Nielsen's style is in this opera. You can hear elements of each symphony, the concertos, even his solo music. The story itself, and the history of the opera and its incorporation to Denemark's identity is amazing.
So here you are...Great solos, great ensemble sining, great orchestral interludes, and if you can visualize it, great ballet.
You do not need my recommendation. Buy this happy recording before it is unavailable. You will be thankful!"
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1