Thomas Hengelbrock; Balthasar Neumann-Choir & Orchestra - Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana

In November 2022, there was a memorable performance at the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden: Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni, undoubtedly one of the most important key works of musical verismo. For the first time the audience could experience the work as it was performed at its premiere in Rome in 1890.

Conductor Thomas Hengelbrock had reversed cuts and restored the original vocal range of some of the singers' parts. Meticulous study of the autograph score enabled him to implement the composer's original instructions and intentions in an exemplary manner. He was supported in this by his Balthasar Neumann Choir and Orchestra, trained in historically informed performance practice, as well as by a topclass ensemble of young soloists.

The result sounds exciting and stirring, and also excitingly new.

this is a great deal more than just an exercise in musicological excavation: here's a persuasive performance that is refreshing and revealing in the best 'authentic' tradition. � Gramophone