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Propheten (Prophets)

A Biblical cantata. Devised by David Drew from Act IV of Der Weg der Verheißung (The Eternal Road). Text (in German) by Franz Werfel and from scriptures. Supplementary orchestration by Noam Sheriff.

Work Details

Duration

45 minutes

First Performance

28 May 1998, Vienna, Österreichische Rundfunkorchester, Dennis Russell Davies, cond.

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Cast
- Singing Roles
  - Rabbi (tenor)
  - Jeremiah/Stimme des Prophets (baritone)
  - Isaiah/Weisse Engel 1/Engel der Endzeit (tenor)
  - Chananjah (baritone)
  - Der Widersprecher (baritone)
  - Ein Knabe (boy soprano)
  - Eine Frau (mezzo)
  - Weisse Engel 2 (soprano)
  - Dunkle Engel (baritone)
  - Rahel (soprano)
  - Large choir, divisible into two parts, with optional children's choir
- Non-Singing Roles
  - Der Dreizehnjährige
  - Der Entfremdete
  - Zedekiah
  - Pashur
  - Ebed Melech
  - Der Wächter
  - Der Bote des Königs
Instrumentation
- 2 Flutes (picc.)
- Oboe
- 2 Clarinets (E-flat cl)
- Bassoon
- 4 French horns
- 3 Trumpets
- 3 Trombones
- Tuba
- Timpani, percussion
- 2 Pianos, organ
- Harp
- Strings

Propheten. Radiosymphonieorchester Wien. Dennis Russell Davies, conductor.

Capriccio (C5500), 2023.

World premiere performance, 1998.

Der Weg der Verheißung (adapted as The Eternal Road) 1935

Biblical Drama in four parts by Franz Werfel. First performed in English adaptation as The Eternal Road, translation by Ludwig Lewisohn.

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