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BRIDE
OF THE WIND
Deutsche Gramophone 289 469 584-2
If you are new to the music of Mahler (Gustav, the better known,
and his soon-to-be-as-well-known wife Alma), this CD (not to speak
of the movie of which this disc contains the soundtracks) is an
easy and wonderful way to be introduced.
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| You will agree that
here are snippets of some of the 20th century's greatest and most
moving music. And you will soon find yourself wanting to listen
with all your heart and mind to the complete works, and to learn
more about the life and times of Alma Mahler - a talented composer
in her own right, and the other half of turn-of-the-century Vienna's
most interesting and best known couple. |
| The CD excerpts from
three of Gustav Mahler's sublime symphonic music (from Symphony
Nos. 3, 5, and 6 - performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra,
Pierre Boulez and Claudio Abbado conducting) and from his Ruckert
Lied No. 5; and from three of Alma Mahler's compositions (Bei
dir ist es Traut, In meines vaters Garten, and Laue Sommernacht).*
The songs (Lieder) are etched even more deeply in one's memory
by Renée Fleming's beautiful soprano and Jean-Yves
Thibaudet's virtuoso piano. This is the second collaboration
between two of classical music's superstars and comes soon after
the release of their first album, Night
Songs. The musical themes were expertly fused together by
composer Stephen Endelman who composed the movie's original music.
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| Fleming
and Thibaudet fans will be delighted to know that they not only
provide some of the film's music. Bride of the Wind also
marks their film debut, so to speak - they appear in performance
at the end of the film, directed by award nominee and of late, opera
director (LA Opera's Rigoletto and Houston Grand Opera /
San Diego Opera's Cold Sassy Tree) Bruce Beresford. Sara
Wynter and Jonathan Pryce play the roles of Alma and Gustav Mahler. |
Thibaudet's Performance Calendar /
Discography
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Fleming's
Performance Calendar /
Discography
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So,
go get it... Better yet,
it now!!! And why not go see the movie too -- (now available on
DVD). Who knows, you may like the music so much you'll find yourself
singing Mahler in your pensive moments. In the meantime, why not
have a listen to some excerpts (Real Player required)
* With You I Am At Peace, In My Father's Garden, and Balmy Summernight.
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