Search - Aaron Judisch, Christian Elser, Timothy Sharp :: Robert Kurka: The Good Soldier Schweik

A modern operatic masterpiece

R. Rockwell | Brooklyn, NY USA | 11/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must thank the people of Opera Nights site or I never would have heard about this masterpiece of an opera. Robert Kurka is a contemporary Czech-American composer who co-wrote the libretto with Lewis Allen which based on the famous comic novel by Jaroslav Hasek. The opera is set at the beginning of WW I is Prague. Schweik who is half witted conforms to any situation he is placed is performed by Jason Collins n a very moving performance Kurka is a master of choral writing and the ensemble does a grreat job. Most of the sceness are farcical, there has to be a balance for all of that to pay off. There are two scenes that brought tears to my eyes both sung by Schweik when he sings about the human cost of the war machine and at the en when he sings : " I'll take quiet road and talks about smelling the roses. The orchestral interludes are wonderful especiaaly the furiant Highly recommended to anyone interested in opera.

Please excuse any typos I have a, neurologic disease.



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