MOZART

Vol. 21 The Abduction from the Seraglio (Highlights)
Christiane Eda-Pierre · Stuart Burrows · Robert Tear · Norma Burrowes · Robert Lloyd · John Alldis Choir · Academy of St Martin in the Fields · Sir Colin Davis

CD 446 243-2
PHILIPS

Mozart never completed his first Turkish opera (Zaide), but with his second he made a big hit: Die Entführung aus dem Serail. It is more than just a "Turkish piece," however. It was written in 1781/82 as an imperial commission in fruitful partnership with Gottlieb Stephanie the Younger, after a model by Bretzner, and premiered in 1782 to great acclaim. It is probably the first example of Mozart's virtuosity, not purely as a musician but as a music-dramatist. Going beyond the usual tone of Singspiel, the content of this Germanic opera shows Enlightenment and humanist traits. In its musical structure Mozart treads new paths. His music is itself dramatic action. Arias and ensembles carry on the action, become action through music. His protagonists are no longer types, but real people with emotions and characters: the two lovers, the two servants, the harem guard and the Pasha, they all really live through the music. The unforgettable Curt Jürgens here plays the focal figure, often underrated, of the Pasha. What a bonus for the owner of this recording! - The Orient, around 1600. Belmonte, a Spanish nobleman, plans to rescue his sweetheart Constanze from Pasha Selim's harem. He is aided by his servant Pedrillo, who is also in captivity, and Pedrillo's sweetheart Blonde. The harem guard Osmin, however, foils their escape plan and demands the death of the infidel, but the Pasha gives his prisoners their freedom.

The Best of the Complete Mozart Edition