Bohuslav Martinů - The Epic of Gilgamesh. Cantata on the Words of the Old-Babylonian Epic for Soloists, Speaker, Mixed Chorus and Orchestra, H. 351 57:50
1. Gilgamesh (Tablets 1, 2) 19:02
2. The Death of Enkidu Gilgamesh (Tablets 7, 8, 10) 19:20
3. Invocation Gilgamesh (Tablet 12) 19:13
original lyrics by: R. Cambell Thompson
words by: Ferdinand Pujman
soprano: Marcela Machotkova
tenor: Jiri Zahradnicek
baritone: Vaclav Zitek
bass: Karel Prusa
recitation: Otakar Brousek
chorus master: Josef Veselka
conductor: Jiri Belohlavek
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Prague Philharmonic Choir
Jiri Belohlavek is a world-renowned conductor of the works of Bohuslav Martinu, including the symphonic, operatic, oratorio and cantata literature. Martinu's oratorio The Epic of Gilgamesh (1955) is unusual and, in a way, unique in all the international literature, as exciting and mysterious as the ancient tale on which it is based. The epic, one of the oldest extant examples of written culture, dates back to the beginning of Babylon, and Martinu devoted a number of years to the study of its philosophical basis before beginning to set to music Thompson's translation of its Neoassyrian version. Martinu's conception and execution are truly ingenious making use of early Baroque forms. Outstanding performances by the soloists, chorus and orchestra enhance the unrepeatable atmosphere of this masterful work.
(Supraphon 1994)
| Property | Value |
| format | CD audio |
