Groot Omroepkoor in the Concertgebouw (2015) (Photo: Hans van der Woerd)

Jaap van Zweden conducts Fidelio

Programme

  • Ludwig van Beethoven Fidelio

Wagner's Götterdämmerung is a size too big for the hall under the present circumstances. Jaap van Zweden conducts Beethoven's Fidelio instead. With largely the same star cast.


Fidelio

Probably Fidelio is the best failed opera of all time. In 1805, Beethoven's Leonore, as the first version of Fidelio was called, premiered. For years the composer struggled with this work, until he delivered the definitive version in 1814. A work that lies somewhere in between: Singspiel, dramatic opera, oratorio...


Inhuman conditions

At the same time, Beethoven created the romantic German opera as if from nowhere. The orchestra is larger, more symphonic in scope than in Mozart's days, the singing style is heavier, more dramatic. And the subject - the liberation of the political prisoner Florestan - is entirely in keeping with the new era. At its core is the great scene of Florestan, who is held captive in a dungeon under inhuman conditions. His recitative "Gott! Welch Dunkel hier!" and the subsequent aria "In des Lebens Frühlingstagen..." form a profound heart-cry for a better world.

Date:
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Time:
13:00 hours
Pause:
Yes, including break
Location:
The Royal Concertgebouw

Amsterdam
-
Large Hall

Performers

Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
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Jaap van Zweden (c)Hans van der Woerd
Jaap van Zweden
Conductor
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Netherlands Radio Choir
Choir
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Simon Halsey
Choir conductor
Anja Kampe
Soprano, Leonore
Daniel Frank
Tenor, Florestan
Falk Struckmann
Bass-baritone, Rocco
Simon Neal
Baritone, Don Pizarro
Oliver Zwarg
Bass-baritone, Don Fernando
Mercedes Arcuri
Soprano, Marzelline
Thomas Atkins
Tenor, Jaquino
Robert Holl
Narrator

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Friday, June 13, 2025
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Final concert: The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar

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