Gade: Comala (cantata - 1845/6)

[Alan Howe]

What do you think of the performance - and the piece?

[edurban]

Are we speaking of Comala?  It's a pretty, graceful piece that never quite measures up to its heroic subject, imho.  Rasmussen's performance is well sung  (Danish National Opera soloists, if I remember) but the orchestra is too recessed to make much impression and the result is underpowered.  Hopefully the new recording will make a stronger impression.   Ps. Danacord's booklet offers only the German libretto (no translations) and the tracking does not match Gade's numbering. Also, again iirc, there's no indication of which singer takes which part...

[Mark Thomas]

It's definitely not worth searching out the Kontrapunkt recording on that showing, then.

[dhibbard]

I've liked Gade's symphonies for a long time... I recently bought the BIS box set of symphonies with Neeme Jarvi conducting and actually, prefer that set to the Da Capo set.   The BIS recordings are very sharp and clear.   Looking forward to purchasing the Comala recording when it comes out.

[edurban]

Me too, the samples sound very dynamic...try that first chorus!