Der Sturm (opera)

Der Sturm (The tempest) is a German-language opera in three acts by the Swiss composer Frank Martin to a libretto based on the Schlegel/Tieck German translation of Shakespeare's play The Tempest. It was premiered at the Vienna State Opera in 1955. The role of Prospero was originally conceived for Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, but illness prevented him participating.[1]

The word setting is through-composed parlando, with few set pieces, most of which belong to Prospero.

Roles

• Prospero – bass
• Miranda – soprano
• Alonso – bass
• Sebastian – baritone
• Antonio – tenor
• Gonzalo – bass
• Ferdinand – tenor
• Adrian – tenor
• Caliban – bass
• Trinculo – tenor
• Stephano – baritone
• Sailor – baritone
• Ariel – offstage chorus / onstage actor-dancer

Recordings

• Extracts: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Prospero), Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by the composer, Deutsche Grammophon 1964
• Live recording: Robert Holl as Prospero, Christine Buffle as Miranda, Simon O'Neill as Ferdinand, James Gilchrist as Antonio, Ethan Herschenfeld as Alonso, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Netherlands Radio Choir, conductor Thierry Fischer, Hyperion 2012.[1][2] International Classical Music Awards 2012,Gramophone Editor's Choice, Gramophone Critics' Choice 2011, Diapason d'Or

References

1. Perroux, Alain (2011). "A new world of sound: Frank Martin’s Der Sturm", booklet notes to Hyperion CDA67821/3. Hyperion Records. Accessed 6 March 2012.
2. Clements, Andrew (26 May 2011). Martin: Der Sturm – review. The Guardian. Accessed 6 March 2012.