The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has a strong relationship with Naxos, recording diverse repertoire and selling over one million CDs internationally in the last decade.
Performer Biography
James Judd, the conductor, has an extensive recording collection with Naxos, including many in partnership with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, where he is Music Director Emeritus.
Notable Performances
Die Seejungfrau was first performed in Vienna on January 25, 1905, conducted by Zemlinsky himself, but its critical attention was overshadowed by Arnold Schoenberg's Pelléas et Mélisande.
Composer Biography
Alexander Zemlinsky's symphonic music, including the works on this album, has gained increasing public attention over the past quarter-century.
Composition History
The complete score of Die Seejungfrau was only reunited in 1984, as the third movement had remained in Europe while the first two were taken to the United States in 1938.
Composition History
Zemlinsky's 'Symphonic fantasy' Die Seejungfrau (The Mermaid) was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy-tale and originated after his affair with his pupil Alma Schindler.
Critical Reception
After its initial performances, Zemlinsky seemed to lose interest in Die Seejungfrau, and it languished in obscurity until many years after his death.
