KARL AMADEUS HARTMANN (1905-1963): Simplicius Simplicissimus.

Description: Following up their complete Hartmann symphony cycle (03P102), this Dutch label now offers a new recording of this opera. Completed in 1935, premiered on radio in 1948 and revised in 1957, it's based on a novel from 1669 set during the Thirty Years War in which a Parsifal-like young boy wanders through the violence, destruction and social degradation caused by the war (the parallels with the composer's situation in Nazi Germany are plain). The music is tonal although strongly influenced by the expressionism of the Second Viennese School. 2 CDs. German libretto. Peter Marsch, Will Hartmann (tenors), Juliane Banse (soprano), Netherlands Radio Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra; Markus Stenz.