Theodorakis: Axion esti (Lobgepriesen sei)

On this CD:

1. Axion esti, oratorio
Composed by Mikis Theodorakis
Performed by Gunter Emmerlich, Wilhelm Friedrich, Gothart Stier, Lakis Karnezis
Conducted by Mikis Theodorakis

Tracks:

I. Genesis
II. Passion: 1. Und Hier, So Sieh! Bin Ich
II. Passion: 2. Lesung: Der Marsch An Die Front
II. Passion: 3. Nur Diese Eine Schwalbe
II. Passion: 4. Berge Um Mich Her Mein Fester Grund
II. Passion: 5. Mit Dem Luster Der Sterne
II. Passion: 6. Lesung: Der Grosse Exodus
II. Passion: 7. Hore, Reine Sonne Der Gerechtigkeit
II. Passion: 8. Intermezzo
II. Passion: 9. Purpurn Farbte Mich Das Blut
II. Passion: 10. Kirchen, Gestickt Ins Lichtmuster Des Runden Himmelsdoms
II. Passion: 11. Lesung: Weissagung
II. Passion: 12. Ich Offne Den Mund
II. Passion: 13. Ich Ziehe In Ein Land Hinab
III. Lobgepriesen Sei

Customer Reviews:

Very very good.......2000-06-21

This is a wonderful recording of what can be called Theodorakis' most prolific composition ever. Axion Esti (praised be) on texts of Nobel prize winning author Elytis combines elements of byzantine-, western classical- and greek folkmusic. Written in the late fifties for classical and popular orchestras and male soloists, recitant and choir and first recorded in 1964 with Bithikotsis as the popular singer it soon became theodorakis' best selling album within Greece. The rightwing government of that time had actively discouraged musicians to take part in the recordingprocess which meant that the score was not given its full scope and potential but it still remains an undeniable classic. a few other recordings have been made since, among them one in swedish and a new greek version with Yorgos Dalaras as soloist and Theodorakis conducting, a version which because of a dull sounding live recording has never much appealed to me. So here we have "Lobgepriesen Sei". One has to get over the initial shock of hearing this "greekest of greek music" sung in german but it soon becomes apparent that the translation has been done with the utmost respect for the colour and the cadanse of text and music and that the liveperformance is outstanding. Theodorakis himself conducts the east german musicians and Lakis Karnezis appears as bouzoukiplayer as he did on the original version. the remasterd recording sounds excellent and together with the performance reveals the wonderfully rich texture and colours of this magnificent piece. To be purchased without any reservation whatsoever !

Poetry of Elytis with music of Greece/France.......2000-05-20

The text of this oratorio comes from the Nobel Prize winner Odysseus Elytis; the music is by Mikis Theodorakis who trained in composition under Messieaen and who is best known for his score to Zorba the Greek.

The album is recorded in German; nonetheless, the voices rhythmically support the music. The music begins in a manner leading one to expect a very 20th century score but as the Greek flavor becomes more predominate, the music takes on an ageless folk/liturgy flavor.

Tracks:

I Genesis
Ta Pathi: A. Idou Ego Lipon B. I Poria Pros To Metopo C. Ena To Helidoni
Ta Pathi: D. Ta Themelia Mou Sta Vouna, E. Me To Lihno Tou Astrou, F. I Megali Exodus, J. Tis Dikeosinis Ilie Noite

Tracks:

Ta Pathi: H. Nai Sto Shima Tou Ouranou, K. Tis Agapis Emata, L. Nai Sto Shima Tou Ouranou, M. Profitikon, N. Anigo To Stoma Mou, O. Se Hora Makrini
To Axion Esti

Customer Reviews:

an absolut essential!.......2001-04-10

Axion Esti is an absolut essential! It contains trucks of high sentimental value to us Greeks! Some songs have been connected to the greek fight for restitution of Democracy! The songs are performed either by Grigoris Bithikotsis, the major interpreter of Theodoraki's songs or by a choire. Some poems are recited! The lyrics, by the way, are written by Odysseas Elytis, winner of the Nobel price of Literature. There have been more recent reccordings of the Axion Esti, but no performer has so far been able to live up to the standards of Gr. Bithikotsis, who seems to have been created to sing these songs! Should there be an album that could compare to the Axion Esti, it would be Theodoraki's "Epitafios & Epifania"!

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