Reimann aimed for "Medea" to be a compositional counterpiece to his earlier opera "Lear," focusing on a female character traumatized by a loss of trust in close relatives.
Compositional Technique
The C Major melody played by the orchestra in a key scene, which Medea tries to appropriate, is actually the beginning of a song composed by Franz Grillparzer himself.
Performer Biography
Claudia Barainsky, who sings Medea, is renowned for her experience with New Music and has had several roles written specifically for her by Aribert Reimann, including Martirio in "Bernarda Albas Haus."
Composition History
Reimann's opera "Medea" was inspired by Franz Grillparzer's version of the myth, which the composer found particularly stimulating for its portrayal of Medea as an outsider and the return of the Golden Fleece.
Recording & Production
This recording of "Medea" is a live recording from September/October 2010 at the Oper Frankfurt, with Christian Wilde as the recording producer, editor, and mixer.
Composer Biography
Aribert Reimann, the composer, began composing his first piano songs at the age of ten and later studied composition under Boris Blacher and Ernst Pepping.
Critical Reception
Aribert Reimann's "Medea," based on Franz Grillparzer, was named 'Premiere of the Year 2010' by the specialist magazine 'Opernwelt'.
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