Die Seejungfrau, Sinfonietta : Judd / New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

ALEXANDER VON ZEMLINSKY (1871-1942)

Sinfonietta, Op. 23 (1934)
Die Seejungfrau (The Mermaid) - Symphonic Fantasy (1903)

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
James Judd, conductor

Digital Recording: 06/2006

A Symphony in all but name, Zemlinsky's lavishly scored "symphonic fantasy" Die Seejungfrau (1903) is his most frequently performed large-scale work beside the Lyric Symphony (Naxos 8.572048). Based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the mermaid who sacrifices herself out of unrequited love for a prince, the work places greater emphasis on thematic development than on mere illustration. Written over three decades later, when Zemlinsky's music was taking on a more astringent manner, the Sinfonietta is remarkable for its nervous energy, anguished passion and sheer virtuosity. ( NAXOS )