The original recording was made on magnetic tape at a speed of 77 cm/s, a technology that had advanced significantly by 1942.
Historical Context
During World War II, the Reichs-Rundfunk (Reich Radio) frequently produced recordings with the Staatskapelle of Saxony and the Dresden State Opera ensemble to fill repertoire gaps left by the removal of works by Jewish composers.
Interpretation
The German libretto used for this Dresden production of "Der Jakobiner" was a 1943 translation by Ilse Rinesch-Hellmich and Pavel Ludikar, which was adapted to align with Nazi ideals.
Composer Biography
Antonín Dvořák's opera "Der Jakobiner" premiered on February 12, 1889, in the Prague National Theatre, and was later revised in 1894 with significant changes to the third act.
Historical Context
Most radio symphony orchestras, including the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, were closed in 1943 by order of Joseph Goebbels, leading the Dresden State Opera to become a primary radio production site.
Recording & Production
This recording of Dvořák's opera "Der Jakobiner" was made by the Reichs-Rundfunk-Gesellschaft (RRG) on March 2, 1943, at the Dresden State Opera.
Interpretation
In the 1943 German version of the opera, the villainous character Adolf was renamed Rudolf for reasons of "political correctness" due to the name's association with Adolf Hitler.
You might also enjoy...
Donizetti: La favorita
Verdi: Otello (Recorded 1958)
Bizet: Carmen
Gounod: Le Tribut de Zamora
Mozart: Così fan tutte
GLUCK, C.W.: Orfeo ed Euridice (Opera) [Neumann]
Le Nozze di Figaro
Cherubini: Medea
Verdi: Il Trovatore
Boito: Nerone
Der Schauspieldirektor - The Impressario
Wagner: Das Rheingold (The Rhinegold), WWV 86a [Recorded 1953]
