Wagner’s global thinking – however incredible it sounds – is focussed on the orchestra. His complex musical dramaturgy built on his leitmotifs, the representation of men and situations is mainly embodied by the orchestral material. In his operas the choir is only a complement to
the orchestra; it adds more colour, light and power to a particular scene.
Among his relatively few choruses the guest scene from Tannhäuser is one of the most effective choral scenes of opera literature, In Verdi’s oeuvre the role of song and orchestra follow the Italian opera traditions. The orchestra is most of all an accompaniment, beside giving an emphasis to characterisation, while the choir is a crucial dramaturgical tool in expressing
the relationship of the individual and the community. The choruses selected for this concert are among the most ingenious tableaux of opera literature with the sounds of passion, hope, celebration and victory.
OPENING CONCERT
VERDI-WAGNER GÁLA
KODÁLY CHOIR DEBRECEN
Choir master: Pad Zoltán
CANTEMUS MIXED CHOIR
Choir master: Szabó Soma
DOHNÁNYI ORCHESTRA BUDAFOK
Conductor: HOLLERUNG GÁBOR