Jump to content

Helgoland (Bruckner): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →Discography: harmonising
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Secular cantata by Anton Bruckner}}
{{italic title}}
{{italic title}}
{{Infobox musical composition
{{Infobox musical composition
| title = ''Helgoland''
| name = ''Helgoland''
| composer = [[Anton Bruckner]]
| composer = [[Anton Bruckner]]
| image = Bruckner final years.jpg
| image = Bruckner final years.jpg
Line 14: Line 15:
| composed =
| composed =
| performed = {{Timeline-event|date={{Start date|1893|10|08|df=y}}|location={{nowrap|[[Hofburg Palace]], Vienna}}}}
| performed = {{Timeline-event|date={{Start date|1893|10|08|df=y}}|location={{nowrap|[[Hofburg Palace]], Vienna}}}}
| published = {{start date|1893}}
| published = {{start date|1893}} (vocal and piano score)
| first_recording = {{start date|1977}} – [[Wyn Morris]], Ambrosian Male Voice Chorus and [[London Symphony Orchestra|Symphonica of London]]}}
| first_recording = {{start date|1977}} – [[Wyn Morris]], Ambrosian Male Voice Chorus and [[London Symphony Orchestra|Symphonica of London]]}}
'''''Helgoland''''', [[Werkverzeichnis Anton Bruckner|WAB]] 71, is a secular, patriotic [[cantata]] for [[Men's chorus|male choir]] and [[orchestra]], composed by [[Anton Bruckner]] in 1893. Since Bruckner did not complete the [[Symphony No. 9 (Bruckner)|9th symphony]], ''Helgoland'' is his last complete work.
'''''Helgoland''''', [[Werkverzeichnis Anton Bruckner|WAB]] 71, is a secular, patriotic [[Cantatas (Bruckner)|cantata]] for [[Men's chorus|male choir]] and [[orchestra]], composed by [[Anton Bruckner]] in 1893. Since Bruckner did not complete the [[Symphony No. 9 (Bruckner)|9th symphony]], ''Helgoland'' is his last complete work.


==History==
==History==
''Helgoland'' was composed in April 1893 for the Men's Choir of [[Vienna]]<ref name="be">Called the ''Vienna Male Singing Society'' (''Wiener Männergesangvereins'') in Volume XXII/2 No. 8 of the ''Bruckner Complete Edition''</ref> to celebrate its 50th birthday.<ref name="zwol">C. van Zwol, pp. 714-715</ref><ref name="harten">U. Harten, p. 193</ref> The text was written by [[August Silberstein]], who had already provided a poem, which Bruckner set to music (''[[Germanenzug]]'' in 1864). One year earlier, Bruckner had already composed another, shorter [[Patriotism|patriotic]] work, [[Der deutsche Gesang, WAB 63|''Der deutsche Gesang'']] (WAB 63), that was premiered at the ''First German Academic Song Festival'' in [[Salzburg]] in June 1892.
One year earlier, Bruckner had already composed another, shorter [[Patriotism|patriotic]] work, [[Der deutsche Gesang, WAB 63|''Der deutsche Gesang'']] (WAB 63), that was premiered at the ''First German Academic Song Festival'' in [[Salzburg]] in June 1892.


''Helgoland'' was composed in April 1893 for the [[Wiener Männergesang-Verein|Men's Choir of Vienna]]<ref name="be">Called the ''Vienna Male Singing Society'' (''Wiener Männergesangvereins'') in Volume XXII/2 No. 8 of the ''Bruckner Complete Edition''</ref> to celebrate its 50th birthday.<ref name="zwol">C. van Zwol, pp. 714-715</ref><ref name="harten">U. Harten, p. 193</ref> The text was written by [[August Silberstein]], who had already provided poems set to music by Bruckner (''[[Germanenzug]]'' in 1864 and [[Vaterlandslied, WAB 92|''Vaterlandslied'']] in 1866).
⚫
The setting was a case of interest, as the island of [[Heligoland]] had just been returned by [[Great Britain]] to [[Germany]] in 1890. ''Helgoland'' was conducted on 8 October 1893 by the Men's Choir of Vienna and the [[Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra]] under Eduard Kremser's baton in the ''Winterreitschule'' of the [[Hofburg Palace]].<ref name="zwol"/><ref name="harten"/>


⚫
The setting was a case of interest, as the Frisian island of [[Heligoland]] had just been given to [[Germany]] in 1890 by [[Great Britain]] (in exchange for Zanzibar). ''Helgoland'' was conducted on 8 October 1893 by the Men's Choir of Vienna and the [[Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra]] under Eduard Kremser's baton in the ''Winterreitschule'' of the [[Hofburg Palace]].<ref name="zwol"/><ref name="harten"/>
⚫
The work, the manuscript of which was legated by Bruckner to the ''[[Österreichische Nationalbibliothek]]'', was published by Doblinger, Vienna in 1899.<ref name="zwol"/><ref name="harten"/> It is put in Band XXII/2 No. 8 of the ''{{lang|de|Gesamtausgabe}}''.<ref name="Gesamtausgabe">[http://www.mwv.at/TextBruckner/Katalog/kantaten.htm Gesamtausgabe – Kantaten und Chorwerke mit Orchester]</ref>


⚫
Bruckner legated the manuscript to the ''[[Österreichische Nationalbibliothek]]''. The work was first published as vocal and piano reduction score by Cyrill Hynais in 1893. The vocal and orchestral score was posthumously issued by Doblinger, Vienna in 1899.<ref name="zwol"/><ref name="harten"/> It is put in Band XXII/2 No. 8 of the ''{{lang|de|Gesamtausgabe}}''.<ref name="Gesamtausgabe">[http://www.mwv.at/TextBruckner/Katalog/kantaten.htm Gesamtausgabe – Kantaten und Chorwerke mit Orchester]</ref>
⚫
== Text and music ==

⚫
[[Image:Helgoland Vogelperspektive.jpg|240px|thumb|A bird's-eye view of the island of [[Heligoland]]]]
⚫
== Text ==
⚫
[[Image:Aerial image of Heligoland.jpg|240px|thumb|A bird's-eye view of the island of [[Heligoland]]]]
[[Image:Map helgoland 1910.jpg|240px|thumb|A map of ''Heligoland'' from 1910, 14 years after Bruckner's death]]
[[Image:Map helgoland 1910.jpg|240px|thumb|A map of ''Heligoland'' from 1910, 14 years after Bruckner's death]]
The text from August Silberstein's ''Mein Herz in Liedern'' focuses on the [[Saxons|Saxon]] people of the island who are threatened by the invasion of the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], but [[Forseti|divine]] intervention saves them:
The text from August Silberstein's ''Mein Herz in Liedern'' focuses on the [[Saxons|Saxon]] people of the island who are threatened by the invasion of the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], but [[Forseti|divine]] intervention saves them:
Line 88: Line 91:
Who hast thunder in thy hand
Who hast thunder in thy hand
And who demandest tempests,
And who demandest tempests,
Be benevolent upon us!
Help us!


Let dreadful storms bluster,
Let dreadful storms bluster,
Line 102: Line 105:


The horrors of the ocean are relinquished,
The horrors of the ocean are relinquished,
They burst the poles and the bug;
They burst the masts and the bows;
The all-igniting arrows of lightning
The all-igniting arrows of lightning
Strike them while thunder accompanies their flight.
Strike them while thunder accompanies their flight.
Line 112: Line 115:
|}
|}


== Setting ==
The 317-[[Bar (music)|bar]] long composition in [[G minor]], scored for [[TTBB|{{abbr|TTBB|tenor, tenor, bass and bass}}]] male choir and orchestra (2 [[flute]]s, 2 [[oboe]]s, 2 [[clarinet]]s, 2 [[bassoon]]s, 4 [[French horn|horns]], 3 [[trumpet]]s, 3 [[trombone]]s, [[tuba|contrabass tuba]], [[timpani]], [[cymbal]] and [[string section|strings]]), is set as a three-part [[sonata form]] with [[Coda (music)|coda]].
The 317-[[Bar (music)|bar]] long composition in [[G minor]], scored for [[TTBB|{{abbr|TTBB|tenor, tenor, bass and bass}}]] male choir and orchestra (2 [[flute]]s, 2 [[oboe]]s, 2 [[clarinet]]s, 2 [[bassoon]]s, 4 [[French horn|horns]], 3 [[trumpet]]s, 3 [[trombone]]s, [[tuba|contrabass tuba]], [[timpani]], [[cymbal]] and [[string section|strings]]), is set as a three-part [[sonata form]] with [[Coda (music)|coda]].


The piece is full of strength and enthusiasm, and carries the mark of [[Richard Wagner|Wagner]]'s influence.<ref name="mw">[http://musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Mar05/bruckner_barenboim_2564618912.htm Patrick C Waller review for Barenboim's BPO Bruckner cycle]</ref> The orchestral introduction depicts already the atmosphere of storm and fate, which hangs over the text. The first part (first three strophes) depicts the approach of the enemies and the announcement of the prayer, the mid-part (next two strophes) depicts the invocation of the [[deity]], and the third part ([[reprise]] with [[Musical development|development]]) depicts the storm and the sinking of the enemies. The coda on the last [[Verse (poetry)|verse]] "''O Herrgott, dich preiset frei Helgoland!'', with a [[cymbal]] crash near the end (bar 309),<ref name="zwol"/> is a [[hymn]] to the deity.<ref name="harten"/>
The piece is full of strength and enthusiasm, and carries the mark of [[Richard Wagner|Wagner]]'s influence.<ref name="mw">[http://musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Mar05/bruckner_barenboim_2564618912.htm Patrick C Waller review for Barenboim's BPO Bruckner cycle]</ref> The orchestral introduction depicts already the atmosphere of storm and fate, which hangs over the text. The first part (first three strophes) depicts the approach of the enemies and the announcement of the prayer, the mid-part (next two strophes) depicts the invocation of the [[deity]], and the third part ([[reprise]] with [[Musical development|development]]) depicts the storm and the sinking of the enemies. The coda on the last [[Verse (poetry)|verse]] "''O Herrgott, dich preiset frei Helgoland!'', with a [[cymbal]] crash near the end (bar 309),<ref name="zwol"/> is a [[hymn]] to the deity.<ref name="harten"/>
Line 119: Line 123:


==Discography==
==Discography==
''Helgoland'' is seldom played presumably because of the text, a poem with German patriotic content, but also the high requirements, i.e., a symphonic orchestra and a professional men's choir.<ref>[http://www.abruckner.com/vocal_instrumental_music/php/index.php@pag=228.htm Discography of ''Helgoland'' by Hans Roelofs]</ref><br/>[[Fritz Oeser]] made an adaptation of the work for mixed choir and orchestra, and put on it a new text „Dröhne, du Donner“ (Roar, you Thunder!), so that the work would be performed more often.<ref>Fritz Oeser, Symphonischer Psalm „Dröhne, du Donner“. Bearbeitung des symphonischen Chores „Helgoland“ für gemischten Chor und Orchester mit neuem Text. Bruckner-Verlag, Wiesbaden, 1954.</ref><ref>[https://www.abruckner.com/downloads/scoresorchestraltr/choralscores/symphonic-choir-rour-you-thunder/ Manuscript of „Dröhne, du Donner“]</ref> However, no recording of this adaptation is available as yet.
⚫
''Helgoland'' is seldom played for such a mature work, and many noted Brucknerian [[conducting|conductors]] have neglected to record it, though [[Daniel Barenboim]] has done it twice, at the time of his playing the symphonies of Bruckner with the [[Chicago Symphony Orchestra]] and with the [[Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra]].

⚫
Many noted Brucknerian [[conducting|conductors]] have neglected to record the work, although [[Daniel Barenboim]] has done it twice, at the time of his playing the symphonies of Bruckner with the [[Chicago Symphony Orchestra]] and with the [[Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra]].

⚫
There are four commercial recordings of the work:
⚫
* [[Wyn Morris]], Symphonica of London and [[Ambrosian Singers|Ambrosian Chorus]] – LP: Symphonica SYM 11 (with [[Richard Wagner|Wagner]]'s "''[[Das Liebesmahl der Apostel]]''"), 1977; transferred to CD: IMP PCD 1042, 1993; CD: Klassic Haus KHCD-2012-043, 2012 (with [[Symphony No. 6 (Bruckner)|Symphony No. 6]] by Heinz Bongartz)
⚫
* Daniel Barenboim, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and [[Chicago Symphony Chorus]] – LP: DG 2707 116, 1979 (with [[Symphony No. 0 (Bruckner)|Symphony "No. 0"]] and [[Psalm 150 (Bruckner)|Psalm 150]]); transferred to [[Deutsche Grammophon|DGG]] CDs: 6 October 1992 and 1 May 1995.
⚫
* Daniel Barenboim, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, [[Berlin Radio Choir]] and Ernst Senff Choir – CD: Teldec 0630 16646-2, 1992 (with [[Symphony No. 1 (Bruckner)|Symphony No. 1]]); reissued on CD: Elektra/Wea/Teldec, June 16, 1998; in a CD-box of Barenboim's Berlin cycle by Warner Classics, 10 January 2006.
⚫
* Alberto Hold-Garrido, ''Choruses for Male Voices and Orchestra'', [[Lund University]] Student Singers and [[Malmö Opera]] Orchestra – CD: Naxos 8572871, 2012


;Note: A not-issued recording by [[Takashi Asahina]] can be heard on John Berky's website: [http://www.abruckner.com/downloads/downloadofthemonth/September13/ Helgoland by T. Asahina with the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra (1987)] [Download of the Month for September, 2013]. The December, 2022 Download of the Month on the site was the 1993 out-of-print recording of the work by Wyn Morris. Other not-issued recordings by among others, [[Gennadi Rozhdestvensky]] and [[Neeme Järvi]] are stored in the Bruckner Archive.<ref>[http://www.abruckner.com/brucknerarchive/brucknerdatabase/ The Bruckner archive]</ref>
⚫
There are only four commercial recordings of the work:
:'' Helgoland '' has also been performed at the [[Brucknerfest]] 2022 ([https://www.brucknerhaus.at/programm/veranstaltungen/krieg-und-frieden-29.9.2022-19-30 Brucknerfest 2022 - Krieg und Frieden (29-09-2022)]). A recording is available in the Bruckner Archive.
⚫
* [[Wyn Morris]], Symphonica of London, Ambrosian Choir – LP: Symphonica SYM 11 (with [[Richard Wagner|Wagner]]'s "''[[Das Liebesmahl der Apostel]]''"), 1977; transferred to CD: IMP PCD 1042, 1993; CD: Klassic Haus KHCD-2012-043, 2012 (with [[Symphony No. 6 (Bruckner)|Symphony No. 6]] by Heinz Bongartz)
⚫
* [[Daniel Barenboim]], [[Chicago Symphony Orchestra]] and Choir, 1979 (with [[Symphony No. 0 (Bruckner)|Symphony "No. 0"]] and [[Psalm 150 (Bruckner)|Psalm 150]]); transferred to [[Deutsche Grammophon|DGG]] CDs: 6 October 6 1992 and 1 May 1995.
⚫
* [[Daniel Barenboim]], [[Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra]] and Chorus – CD: Teldec 0630 16646-2, 1992 (with [[Symphony No. 1 (Bruckner)|Symphony No. 1]]); reissued on CD: Elektra/Wea/Teldec, June 16, 1998; in a CD-box of Barenboim's Berlin cycle by Warner Classics, 10 January 2006.
⚫
* Alberto Hold-Garrido, ''Choruses for Male Voices and Orchestra'', [[Lund]] Student Singers and [[Malmö]] Opera Orchestra – CD: Naxos 8572871, 2012


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* ''Anton Bruckner – Sämtliche Werke, Band XXII/2: Kantaten und Chorwerke II (1862–1893)'', Musikwissenschaftlicher Verlag der Internationalen Bruckner-Gesellschaft, Franz Burkhart, Rudolf H. Führer and Leopold Nowak (Editor), Vienna, 1987
* ''Anton Bruckner – Sämtliche Werke, Band XXII/2: Kantaten und Chorwerke II (1862–1893)'', Musikwissenschaftlicher Verlag der Internationalen Bruckner-Gesellschaft, Franz Burkhart, Rudolf H. Führer and Leopold Nowak (Editor), Vienna, 1987 (Available on IMSLP: [https://imslp.org/wiki/Neue_Gesamtausgabe_(Bruckner,_Anton) Neue Gesamtausgabe, XXII/2. Kantaten und Chorwerke Teil 2: Nr. 6-8])
* Uwe Harten, ''Anton Bruckner. Ein Handbuch''. Residenz Verlag, Salzburg, 1996. ISBN 3-7017-1030-9.
* [[Uwe Harten]], ''Anton Bruckner. Ein Handbuch''. {{Ill|Residenz Verlag|de}}, Salzburg, 1996. {{ISBN|3-7017-1030-9}}.
* Cornelis van Zwol, ''Anton Bruckner - Leven en Werken'', Thot, Bussum (Netherlands), 2012. ISBN 90-686-8590-2
* Cornelis van Zwol, ''Anton Bruckner - Leven en Werken'', Thot, Bussum (Netherlands), 2012. {{ISBN|90-686-8590-2}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{IMSLP2|work=Helgoland, WAB 71 (Bruckner, Anton)|cname=Helgoland, WAB 71}}
*[http://www.brucknerdiskografie.nl./php/index.php?pag=228 ''Helgoland'' g-Moll, WAB 71] Critical discography by Hans Roelofs {{link language|de}}
*[http://www.abruckner.com/vocal_instrumental_music/php/index.php@pag=228.htm ''Helgoland'' g-Moll, WAB 71] Critical discography by Hans Roelofs {{in lang|de}}
* A not-issued recording by [[Takashi Asahina]] can be heard on John Berky's website: [http://www.abruckner.com/downloads/downloadofthemonth/September13/ Helgoland by T. Asahina with the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra (1987)]


{{German patriotic songs}}
{{German patriotic songs}}
{{Anton Bruckner}}
{{Anton Bruckner}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Cantatas by Anton Bruckner]]
[[Category:Cantatas by Anton Bruckner]]
[[Category:Cantatas]]
[[Category:Compositions in G minor]]
[[Category:Compositions in G minor]]
[[Category:1893 compositions]]
[[Category:1893 cantatas]]
[[Category:German patriotic songs]]
[[Category:German patriotic songs]]

Latest revision as of 23:00, 31 January 2024

Helgoland
by Anton Bruckner
The composer, c. 1890/1895
KeyG minor
CatalogueWAB 71
FormPatriotic cantata
DedicationMen's Choir of Vienna
Performed8 October 1893 (1893-10-08): Hofburg Palace, Vienna
Published1893 (1893) (vocal and piano score)
Recorded1977 (1977) – Wyn Morris, Ambrosian Male Voice Chorus and Symphonica of London
Movements7
VocalTTBB choir
InstrumentalOrchestra

Helgoland, WAB 71, is a secular, patriotic cantata for male choir and orchestra, composed by Anton Bruckner in 1893. Since Bruckner did not complete the 9th symphony, Helgoland is his last complete work.

History

[edit]

One year earlier, Bruckner had already composed another, shorter patriotic work, Der deutsche Gesang (WAB 63), that was premiered at the First German Academic Song Festival in Salzburg in June 1892.

Helgoland was composed in April 1893 for the Men's Choir of Vienna[1] to celebrate its 50th birthday.[2][3] The text was written by August Silberstein, who had already provided poems set to music by Bruckner (Germanenzug in 1864 and Vaterlandslied in 1866).

The setting was a case of interest, as the Frisian island of Heligoland had just been given to Germany in 1890 by Great Britain (in exchange for Zanzibar). Helgoland was conducted on 8 October 1893 by the Men's Choir of Vienna and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Eduard Kremser's baton in the Winterreitschule of the Hofburg Palace.[2][3]

Bruckner legated the manuscript to the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. The work was first published as vocal and piano reduction score by Cyrill Hynais in 1893. The vocal and orchestral score was posthumously issued by Doblinger, Vienna in 1899.[2][3] It is put in Band XXII/2 No. 8 of the Gesamtausgabe.[4]

Text

[edit]
A bird's-eye view of the island of Heligoland
A map of Heligoland from 1910, 14 years after Bruckner's death

The text from August Silberstein's Mein Herz in Liedern focuses on the Saxon people of the island who are threatened by the invasion of the Romans, but divine intervention saves them:

Hoch auf der Nordsee, am fernesten Rand
Erscheinen die Schiffe, gleich Wolken gesenkt;
In wogenden Wellen, die Segel gespannt,
Zum Eiland der Sachsen der Römer sich lenkt!

O weh um die Stätten, so heilig gewahrt,
Die friedlichen Hütten, von Bäumen umlaubt!
Es wissen die Siedler von feindlicher Fahrt!
Was Lebens noch wert, auch Leben sie raubt!

So eilen die Zagen zum Ufer herbei,
Was nützet durch Tränen zur Ferne geblickt;
Da ringet den Besten vom Busen sich frei
Die brünstige Bitte zum Himmel geschickt:

Der du in den Wolken thronest,
Den Donner in deiner Hand,
Und über Stürmen wohnest,
Sei du uns zugewandt!

Lass toben grause Wetter,
Des Blitzes Feuerrot,
Die Feinde dort zerschmetter!
Allvater! Ein Erretter aus Tod und bitt'rer Not!
Vater!

Und siehe, die Welle, die wogend sich warf,
Sie steiget empor mit gischtenden Schaum,
Es heben die Winde sich sausend und scharf,
Die lichtesten Segel verdunkeln im Raum!

Die Schrecken des Meeres, sie ringen sich los,
Zerbrechen die Maste, zerbersten den Bug;
Der flammenden Pfeile erblitzend' Geschoss,
Das trifft sie in Donners hinhallendem Flug.

Nun, Gegner, Erbeuter, als Beute ihr bleibt,
Gesunken zu Tiefen, geschleudert zum Sand,
Das Wrackgut der Schiffe zur Insel nun treibt!
O Herrgott, dich preiset frei Helgoland![5]

On the North Sea's most distant horizon
Ships appear that resemble clouds;
In billowy waves with tension on the sail
The Romans approach the Saxons' isle.

Alack! The holy lieus, hitherto preserved,
The peaceful homes surrounded by trees!
The settlers are aware of the adverse armada!
Everyone being worth living, as they also steal life!

Even those who hesitated now rush to the shore
For looking with tears in the eyes is of no use;
Thus, from the most valuables' bosoms
A prayer is sent to the sky:

Thou who art enthroned in the clouds,
Who hast thunder in thy hand
And who demandest tempests,
Be benevolent upon us!

Let dreadful storms bluster,
Lightning's fire,
And smash yonder foes!
Lord! Our saviour from death and bitter hardships!
Father!

And look, the wave, that was billowing
Turns into froth-like foam,
The winds arise and they bolt fiercely,
Even the brightest sails are darkened!

The horrors of the ocean are relinquished,
They burst the masts and the bows;
The all-igniting arrows of lightning
Strike them while thunder accompanies their flight.

Now, enemy, looter, you stay as a loot,
Sunk to the ocean's depth, dashed to the sand,
Your ships' wreckage floats towards the island!
O Lord, the free Heligoland praises thee!

Setting

[edit]

The 317-bar long composition in G minor, scored for TTBB male choir and orchestra (2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, contrabass tuba, timpani, cymbal and strings), is set as a three-part sonata form with coda.

The piece is full of strength and enthusiasm, and carries the mark of Wagner's influence.[6] The orchestral introduction depicts already the atmosphere of storm and fate, which hangs over the text. The first part (first three strophes) depicts the approach of the enemies and the announcement of the prayer, the mid-part (next two strophes) depicts the invocation of the deity, and the third part (reprise with development) depicts the storm and the sinking of the enemies. The coda on the last verse "O Herrgott, dich preiset frei Helgoland!, with a cymbal crash near the end (bar 309),[2] is a hymn to the deity.[3]

Duration: about 13 minutes.[4]

Discography

[edit]

Helgoland is seldom played presumably because of the text, a poem with German patriotic content, but also the high requirements, i.e., a symphonic orchestra and a professional men's choir.[7]
Fritz Oeser made an adaptation of the work for mixed choir and orchestra, and put on it a new text „Dröhne, du Donner“ (Roar, you Thunder!), so that the work would be performed more often.[8][9] However, no recording of this adaptation is available as yet.

Many noted Brucknerian conductors have neglected to record the work, although Daniel Barenboim has done it twice, at the time of his playing the symphonies of Bruckner with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

There are four commercial recordings of the work:

Note
A not-issued recording by Takashi Asahina can be heard on John Berky's website: Helgoland by T. Asahina with the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra (1987) [Download of the Month for September, 2013]. The December, 2022 Download of the Month on the site was the 1993 out-of-print recording of the work by Wyn Morris. Other not-issued recordings by among others, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky and Neeme Järvi are stored in the Bruckner Archive.[10]
Helgoland has also been performed at the Brucknerfest 2022 (Brucknerfest 2022 - Krieg und Frieden (29-09-2022)). A recording is available in the Bruckner Archive.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Called the Vienna Male Singing Society (Wiener Männergesangvereins) in Volume XXII/2 No. 8 of the Bruckner Complete Edition
  2. ^ a b c d C. van Zwol, pp. 714-715
  3. ^ a b c d U. Harten, p. 193
  4. ^ a b Gesamtausgabe – Kantaten und Chorwerke mit Orchester
  5. ^ Helgoland text
  6. ^ Patrick C Waller review for Barenboim's BPO Bruckner cycle
  7. ^ Discography of Helgoland by Hans Roelofs
  8. ^ Fritz Oeser, Symphonischer Psalm „Dröhne, du Donner“. Bearbeitung des symphonischen Chores „Helgoland“ für gemischten Chor und Orchester mit neuem Text. Bruckner-Verlag, Wiesbaden, 1954.
  9. ^ Manuscript of „Dröhne, du Donner“
  10. ^ The Bruckner archive

Sources

[edit]
  • Anton Bruckner – Sämtliche Werke, Band XXII/2: Kantaten und Chorwerke II (1862–1893), Musikwissenschaftlicher Verlag der Internationalen Bruckner-Gesellschaft, Franz Burkhart, Rudolf H. Führer and Leopold Nowak (Editor), Vienna, 1987 (Available on IMSLP: Neue Gesamtausgabe, XXII/2. Kantaten und Chorwerke Teil 2: Nr. 6-8)
  • Uwe Harten, Anton Bruckner. Ein Handbuch. Residenz Verlag [de], Salzburg, 1996. ISBN 3-7017-1030-9.
  • Cornelis van Zwol, Anton Bruckner - Leven en Werken, Thot, Bussum (Netherlands), 2012. ISBN 90-686-8590-2
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Helgoland_(Bruckner)&oldid=1201567421"