Search - Igor Stravinsky, Seiji Ozawa, Jessye Norman :: Oedipus Rex

A wonderful recording of a definite masterpiece!

T. Young | 04/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Igor Stravinsky's masterpiece Oedipus Rex has been done many times. I chose this recording because it was the version that Julie Taymor designed and directed...and it is a winner! Aside from the astounding visuals that this interpretation has to offer, there is a gorgeous array of vocal performances. Even though the original portrayal of Oedipus was by Philip Landrige in this production, Peter Schreier throws out what he has to offer, which is a great voice. The supporting parts, including Creon, Tiresias, the Shepherd, and the Messenger are superb as well. And the fabulous Jessye Norman is an absolute treat to listen to as Jocasta. Her voice is magnificent in this recording. What also surprised me about this recording is the beauty of the Chorus. They sound so even and wonderful and add to the beauty of this CD.This opera is both in French and in Latin. There is a Narrator that tells the story as it moves along; he speaks in French. The actual music, however, is sung in Latin and is absolutely wonderful. The libretto is included in this recording and it written in Latin, English, German, and French.There is also a video of this opera, but unfortunately it is no longer available. I HIGHLY reccomend this version of Oedipus Rex. Igor Stravinsky's music SOARS and this is truly an operatic EXPERIENCE that is not to be missed! Enjoy!-Taylor ..."

A good performance with a miscast Oedipus

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 09/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is derived from a riveting live performance of Oedipus Rex from Tokyo that featured extraordinary costumes and giant masks by Julie Taymor, of 'Lion King' fame. One's better off tracking down the DVD for the aded visuals since the musical performance, while certainly good, isn't completely convincing. Ozawa is at times markedly romantic, as a reviewer below notes--tempos and phrasing are soft. The big deficit, however, is Peter Schreier's thin, pinched tone, which undercuts any sense of Oedipus as heroic. (The DVD features the much preferable Philip Langridge.)



The orchestra orchestra and chorus are fine, and Jessye Norman is probably the grandest Jocasta vocally to record this masterpiece. Her sumptuous voice is one of a kind, but I don't think Jocasta's one aria is enough of an attraction to compensate for the rest, especially considering the compelling accounts from Welser_most, the young colin Davis (both on EMI), and James Levine (DG)."

Another Very Fine Performance of Oedipus Rex

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/24/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The chief runner-up in the competition for best recordings for Stravinsky's huge 'Oedipus Rex' is this 1994 recording by Seiji Ozawa made in a performance in Japan. There are strong positives and a few negatives in this performance. The approach of Seiji Ozawa here is one of romanticizing the score. What was meant by Stravinsky to be neoclassical, acerbic, somewhat dry and extremely precise music here becomes more lush. The Saito Kinen Orchestra plays well and sounds as though they would be able to obey Stravinsky's detailed notes on performance, but it feels as though Ozawa wanted to play for a more dramatic, operatic sweep.



Jessye Norman in 1994 was at the peak of her powers and her Jocasta is splendid. Peter Schreier has always been a superb oratorio specialist (his Bach Passions are among the finest) but here his voice just doesn't seem to mesh with Oedipus' role. The choral work is wondrous and probably the best aspect of this recording.



This may not be the only 'Oedipus Rex' to own, but it has so many rich moments that it certainly is a runner-up. Grady Harp, September 05"