Franck: Hulda (complete opera original version)

Franck: Hulda (complete opera original version) cover $35.00 In Stock add to cart

CESAR FRANCK
Franck: Hulda (complete opera original version)
Meagan Miller, Joshua Kohl, Irina Jae-Eun Park, Anja Jung / Opernchor des Theater Freiburg, Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Fabrice Bollon

[ Naxos / 3 CD Box Set ]

Release Date: Sunday 10 October 2021

Most of César Franck's works received scant attention at the time of their composition and Hulda was never performed in his lifetime. The narrative is set in 14th-century Norway at the time of the great tribal kings, with marauding hordes spreading fear and terror throughout the land. Hulda is kidnapped and transferred from one tribe to the other, her family is killed and she herself is humiliated. However, Hulda's spirit cannot be crushed, and she survives with revenge as her goal in life. Franck's music portrays raging clans, bloodthirsty murderers and shattered lives, but also moments of exquisite tenderness in this acclaimed revival of a forgotten masterpiece that places the role of Hulda among the great tragic stage heroines.

"An intrepid cast led by Meagan Miller as Hulda and Joshua Kohl's Eiolf, her faithless lover, negotiates a top-heavy score that mixes Franck's thunderous organ chords with Berlioz and Wagner...Oddly the most appealing music is for the obligatory ballet. And all credit to Fabrice Bollon and the Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra for taking it seriously." BBC Music

Fabrice Bollon conducts César Franck's Hulda - World Premiere Recording