Alphons Diepenbrock Die Nacht

>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=8AypRUaXuRs

NB/update: This beautiful performance of 'Die Nacht' has now appeared on CD! In connection with the Diepenbrock year 2012 an 8cd-box has been released by ET'CETERA CDs, containing many historical recordings, amongst which this gem of 1971. Available worldwide, catalogue number: Et'cetera KTC 1435. • # • • This morning, from 9.30-12, we sweated ourselves on it, and by now the notes are almost known. It is awfully difficult. It goes against everything an orchestra is used to. • • This short message about the orchestral rehearsal for the premiere of 'Die Nacht' in a letter by the composer of October 13, 1911, could not be more to the point. Awfully difficult the work is indeed, the orchestra which is able to fully realise this score may hold itself in the highest esteem. And that goes for the vocal part as well. Apparently, Ilona Durigo, the singer to whom it is dedicated, could sing this work a prima vista - almost unbelievable; a mere look at the melody beginning at about 10:00 is enough to send shivers up any musician's spine. • But 'Die Nacht' is not about difficulty. First and most of all 'Die Nacht' is about beauty. Beauty on an unprecedented scale. I cannot listen to it often, each time I hear it I just go to pieces. • Perhaps this is the greatest of all music ever written. • And perhaps Alphons Diepenbrock is the greatest of all composers. • • The performance by Janet Baker and the Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Bernard Haitink on March 25, 1971, is about as perfect as it can be. • I only have it on grammophone record and 40 years of playing has left its marks on the sound quality. I was able to remove most of the clicks and rumble. The remainders should not interfere with what I can only describe as one of the most intense and unique listening experiences ever at the end of which one is left in total awe, amazement and want of breath, in the disbelief of something so beautiful existing on this earth.

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