One way and another, I seem to spend quite a lot of time in my car, and I make a special point of bringing along interesting CDs to listen to. Most recently, I have been enjoying Naxos Records’ recording of Karol Szymanowski’s opera King Roger. Having made its premiere in 1926, King Roger is an important work, and in many ways ahead of its time. It features brilliant orchestration, as well as excellent solo voice and choral writing. The opera has been gaining in acceptance over the last decade or so, and I am eagerly anticipating next summer’s production at the Santa Fe Opera – which will feature acclaimed baritone Mariusz Kwiecien as King Roger, William Burden as the Shepherd, and TDO veteran Raymond Aceto as the Archbishop, among others.
For more information on composer Karol Szymanowski visit: http://www.naxos.com/person/Karol_Szymanowski/23860.htm
