Ignace Paderewski's Manru is generally considered the first Wagner-inspired Polish music drama, and it would be hard to dispute that claim: the score's free-flowing scenes, motivic organization, and symphonic orchestration (not to mention the love potion and the dwarf!) all hearken back to the works of the Romantic master. But those influences come together to form a wholly original work that in no way sounds or feels derivative. If anything, its plot and musical style align with later eastern European works, like Janácek's ...
Read More
Ignace Paderewski's Manru is generally considered the first Wagner-inspired Polish music drama, and it would be hard to dispute that claim: the score's free-flowing scenes, motivic organization, and symphonic orchestration (not to mention the love potion and the dwarf!) all hearken back to the works of the Romantic master. But those influences come together to form a wholly original work that in no way sounds or feels derivative. If anything, its plot and musical style align with later eastern European works, like Janácek's Jenufa, and the Italian verismo tradition -- especially the way the plot focuses tightly, almost obsessively, on the central relationship between the two central characters (in this case the gypsy Manru and his lover, Ulana, who leaves her village to be with him). Although well-received in early productions, Manru has languished in the dusty bins of the repertory; the present recording is its first complete performance on CD. It is a quality production, conducted with both sweep and...
Read Less
