Weber's Der Freischutz in Building a Library with Marina Frolova-Walker and Andrew McGregor

Available for 26 days

Andrew McGregor with his pick of some of the best new classical releases. c2.10pm Andrew is joined by bassoonist and presenter Linton Stephens, who highlights some of the new releases that have caught his ear this week. c3pm Building a Library: Marina Frolova-Walker, Professor of Music History at Cambridge University, surveys recordings of Weber's Der Freischutz and makes a personal top recommendation. Premiered in 1821, Carl Maria von Weber's Der Freischutz was an instant success, and is considered one of the first German romantic operatic masterpieces. It is a dark tale of a young forester who finds himself, unknowingly, in league with the Devil as he attempts to win a shooting contest to earn his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. Its powerful depiction of the struggle between good and evil seizes the emotions, and supernatural elements add a chilling layer of excitement. Top choice: Gundula Janowitz, Peter Schreier, Theo Adam Staatskapelle Dresden, Carlos Kleiber (conductor) DG 4866374 c3.50pm Record of the Week: Andrew's stand out release.