Credits:

Wiener Staatsoper

Description:

Berg (1885-1935) himself wrote the script for “Wozzeck,” based on the actual 1821 murder of an amorous woman by a former soldier, Wozzeck. Wozzeck, a poor barber-soldier, is the subject of a strange experiment for money, as well as to endure harassment from a captain. As his mind begins to break down, he is attacked by the unredeemable tale of his wife Marie’s infidelity. Berg has attached truly exquisite music to this madness-filled work, and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra, conducted by Abbado, portrays this sound perfectly and vividly, without losing tension. Grundhber and the other singers are excellent, especially Behrens, who sings Marie with a “crazy trigger” presence. This video is an excellent introduction to 20th century works, including Dreessen’s solid direction. Naxos Japan