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Die Soldaten

on BBC Radio 3

Bemd Alois Zimmermann 's opera, one of the most important of the postwar period, receives its first
British production at English National Opera. Based on a play by Jakob Lenz , it tells of the descent into prostitution and poverty of Marie, a respectable merchant's daughter, and is a parable of a society destroyed by militarism. It makes extravagant use of massive forces - a huge orchestra, singers, dancers and actors - and uses Gregorian chant, jazz, Bach chorales, and popular music. Zimmermann combines these elements - sometimes overlaying scenes in the past, the present and the future - to give a harrowing portrayal of one woman's downfall. Introduced by Natalie Wheen , who also talks to members of the cast and production team. Sung in English.
English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Elgar Howarth

Contributors

Unknown:
Bemd Alois Zimmermann
Play By:
Jakob Lenz
Introduced By:
Natalie Wheen
Conductor:
Elgar Howarth
Marie:
Lisa Saffer(soprano)
Wesener:
Jan Opalach(bass)
Desportes:
Jon Garrison(tenor)
Stolzius:
Roberto Salvatori(baritone)
Major Haudy:
David Barrell(baritone)
Eisenhardt:
Malcolm Rivers(baritone)
Stolzius's mother:
Anne Wilkens(mezzo)
Wesener's old mother:
Nuala Willis(contralto)
Charlotte:
Emma Selway(mezzo)
Pirzel:
Christopher Gillett(tenor)
Count of Spannheim:
Anthony Cunningham(bass)
Countess:
Marie Angel(soprano)
Young Count:
Richard Roberts(tenor)

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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