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Notes
Polish composer, conductor and teacher Stanislaw Moniuszko is widely known as ‘the father of Polish national opera’. Halka tells the tragic story of its title character, a peasant girl whose love for the noble Janusz is betrayed when he abandons her to wed Zofia, daughter of the Esquire.
Recorded here in an acclaimed production by Poznan Opera House, Halka possesses a deeply lyrical character making it one of the composer’s greatest works. The aria ‘Szumia jodly na gór szczycie’ (‘The firs are rustling on the mountain top’) is considered one of the most beautiful of the 19th century. Moniuszko’s opera Halka, with its tragic tale but often light and uplifting music, is full of lively and distinctive Polish national character. This Poznán production was made during ‘Moniuszko Year’ in Poland, marking the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth. It also serves as a memorial to the distinguished conductor Gabriel Chmura, who was artistic director of Poznán Opera House from 2012 until his death in November 2020.
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Reviews
“… He [Chmura] had idiomatic affinity for Moniuszko and wide experience of opera generally, all of which shows in an expertly paced performance. The orchestral playing is warm, the dances exhilarating … highly recommendable.”
John Allison – Opera – March 2022
Opera category - Nominee
International Classical Music Awards 2022
**** Excellent Album
Louis Bilodeau – Classica (France) – December 2021-January 2022
“Stanislaw Moniuszko’s Halka struts its stuff, impressively, in this new recording with an all-Polish cast conducted by internationally renowned Gabriel Chmura.The singers sound deeply committed to their roles (it surely helps that they’re singing in their native language), and any slight wobbles and such disappear as the work goes along and the voices warm up. Particularly admirable is Magdalena Molendowska, pure yet warm of voice, as the peasant lass Halka …The sound is lively and well balanced … this recording has the goods, and at a bargain price…”
Ralph P Locke – Artsfuse.org – 6 November 2021
“… Any opera lover, Polish or not, should derive a lot of pleasure from this recording.”
Göran Forsling – MusicWeb-International.com – 14 September 2021
“… Highly recommended indeed.”
Ivan Moody – Gramophone magazine – August 2021
“…Gabriel conducts the revised four-act version of the opera for Naxos. In Lukasz Golinski he has a vocally excellent, expressive baritone for the role of Janusz. Soprano Magdalena Molendowska sings the role of Halka with character and commitment… Tenor Dominik Sutowicz sings Jontek with impressive power, but can also convince with fine cantilenas. The other roles are satisfactorily cast for the most part. Good performances also come from the opera choir from Poznan as well as from the orchestra of this house, conducted with inspiration by Gabriel Chmura. The passion and tragedy of the opera are expressed just as surely as the folk character of dances and choruses. In the many ensemble scenes, Chmura holds the reins tightly in his hand and ensures perfectly balanced music-making. ****
Remy Franck – Pizzicato.com.lu – 3 June 2021
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