Raff: World's End - Judgement - New World

Camerata lipsiensis, Gewandhaus Chamber Choir, Meyer, Gregor

CPO 555 562-2

Oratorio after texts from the Holy Scripture, especially the Revelation of John Op. 212

Marie Henriette Reinhold, Alto
Andreas Wolf, Baritone

Towards the end of his life, Joachim Raff began a project that could not have been expected from this artist, who was all too often labelled (and misunderstood) as a prolific writer – an oratorio on the "World's End, Judgement and New World", as depicted in the vision of St. John. It was a mighty undertaking, with which he wanted to produce an opus magnum to complete his already huge oeuvre – and succeeded in doing so. The musical course of events is focused on the Book with Seven Seals, the apocalypse interwoven with blistering, seemingly inexplicable images, which the composer reveals primarily through the character of John; occasionally an angelic soprano voice joins in, as do grand choral scenes, suggestive orchestral interludes and psalm chants – the last judgement on Joachim Raff puts an end to old prejudices.

Works:

• Raff: I. Abtheilung: Welt-Ende A. VISION DES JOHANNES
• Raff: I. Abtheilung: Welt-Ende B. DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
• Raff: I. Abtheilung: Welt-Ende C. FRAGE UND DANK DER MÄRTYRER
• Raff: I. Abtheilung: Welt-Ende D. LETZTE ZEICHEN IN DER NATUR UND VERZWEIFLUNG DER MENSCHEN
• Raff: II. Abtheilung: Gericht
• Raff: III. Abtheilung: Neue Welt

CD x 2

CPO

5.03.2024

761203556229