Alban Berg: Wozzeck Interlude
Wozzeck is the first opera by the Austrian composer Alban Berg. It was composed between 1914 and 1922 and first performed in 1925. Since then it has established a solid place for itself in the mainstream operatic tradition, and modern productions are consistently sold out. Though its musical style is challenging, the quality of Berg s work (in particular, the characterization of the situation through clearly defined musical techniques) amply repays repeated listenings. Although a typical performance takes only slightly over an hour and a half, it is nevertheless an intense experience. The subject matter the inevitability of hardship and exploitation for the poor is brutal and uncompromisingly presented. Though Berg s musical style is not as violent as some other composers might have written for this story, the style suits the subject matter.
|
|