EGON WELLESZ (1885-1974): The Sacrifice of the Prisoner for Dancers, Solists, Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 40.

Description: One of three works by Wellesz based on ancient cultures (this one Aztec and the others, an opera and a ballet, ancient Greek) and using material supplied by Hugo von Hoffmansthal. It was the combined work of Wellesz and the choreographer Kurt Joos. Neither a true ballet nor an opera, it employed double roles for each character with dancing on stage and singers off-stage. It was premiered in Cologne in 1926. No information about texts. Hoe-Seung Hwang (soprano), Patricia Dewey (alto), Vienna Concert Choir, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra; Friedrich Cerha (live reg. March 24, 1995).