Das Lied der Nacht
Opera in three Acts
Lina Liu, Gritt Gnauck, Susann Vent-Wunderlich, Rhys Jenkins, Oliver Weldinger, Ralph Ertel
Theater Osnabrück, Choruses of Theater Osnabrück, Conductor: Andreas Hotz
CPO 2018
cpo 555 186-2
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Hans Gál: Das Lied der Nacht
Hans Gál • Lina Liu, Susann Vent‑Wunderlich, Gritt Gnauck, Rhys Jenkins, Oliver Weidinger, Ralph Ertel; Opernchor des Theaters Osnabrück; Osnabrücker Symphonieorchester; Andreas Hotz (conductor)
About this release
Composed in 1924–25, Hans Gál’s third opera Das Lied der Nacht (The Song of the Night) is a grand “dramatic ballad” in three acts set in a mythical medieval Sicily. Princess Lianora must choose a husband within three months of her father’s death or risk civil unrest; her reluctance triggers plots and crises that are accompanied by music of luminous lyricism and stirring drama. This first complete recording is drawn from performances at Theater Osnabrück and features a large cast headed by soprano Lina Liu and baritone Rhys Jenkins. Under Andreas Hotz the Osnabrücker Symphonieorchester and choruses bring Gál’s ravishing orchestration to life across two generously filled CDs.
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What critics said
That’s the verdict of MusicWeb International, which also praises the warm recorded sound and the beautifully presented booklet. The reviewer urges anyone bitten by the Hans Gál “bug” to explore this dramatic, long‑overlooked opera.
Further context
Das Lied der Nacht was premiered in Breslau in 1926 and enjoyed several productions before being banned by the Nazi regime. After decades of neglect the work was revived in Osnabrück in 2017, leading to this recording. Gál considered the work a “dramatic ballad,” and his score balances romantic lyricism with orchestral brilliance and colour. This release offers listeners a rare opportunity to hear a major stage work by a composer better known for his symphonies and chamber music.
