A very fine if not stunningly original work in more than acc
G.D. | Norway | 08/28/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Daniel Sternefeld (1905-1986) is one of many Belgian composers belonging to the late romantic and early modern tradition whose music is more or less forgotten but well worth hearing at least occasionally. The opera Mater Dolorosa dates from 1936 and is adapted from a story by H.C. Andersen concerning a mother's reconciliation with death (the booklet contains an English translation of the Dutch libretto). It is hence a relatively early work and the music essentially belongs to a late- or post-romantic tradition heavily influenced by Wagnerian chromaticism and the operas of Richard Strauss, but strongly shaped by more expressivist influences (Berg, or at least Zemlinsky, isn't too far away, even though Sternefeld's music is firmly rooted in tonality). But the tonal language is sufficiently inventive and variegated to sustain interest, and does exhibit a personal touch. In fact, this is a very fine work with many memorable themes and harmonic touches and an impressively sustained sense of drama; not a masterpiece, but a work well worth making one's acquaintance with if the style sounds appealing. The performances are perhaps not consistently first-rate, but the singing is for the most part far more than adequate, and the orchestral playing generally good - at least good enough to make a pretty strong case for the work. Sound quality is perhaps not top-notch either, sounding somewhat muddy at times and not always perfectly balanced, but it is more than good enough not to detract from the enjoyment (if that's the appropriate word for such a dark, dramatic work). Recommended, then, and not just to the specialist."
