Enoch Arden
The melodrama is a form which was very popular in the 19th century. It is a unique, intimate amalgamate of music and theater — spoken word and music joining forces to great dramatic effect.
“Enoch Arden”, an epic poem by Tennyson, published in 1864, inspired Richard Strauss to arrange it as a melodrama for narrator and piano — in a German translation, although this performance will be in Tennyson’s original English.
Strauss’ composition has been performed and recorded in both German and English by the likes of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Jon Vickers, Claude Rains, Gwyneth Jones and pianists Glenn Gould, Jörg Demus and Stephen Hough.
The piece tells the heartbreaking tale of Enoch Arden, Annie Lee, and Philip Ray, whose lives intertwine as children. Enoch becomes a fisherman and marries Annie in an initially happy marriage until financial hardship overwhelms them. Against Annie’s will, Enoch accepts a post on a merchant ship travelling to the Far East, hoping that this will resolve their financial problems. Fate dictates otherwise and Enoch is shipwrecked on a remote and deserted island, where he remains for ten years before being at last rescued. Upon returning to his home port, he finds that life has irrevocably altered and he has to make the most unbearable of all decisions...
Born and educated in Scotland and Vienna, Alexander Oliver made his professional debut in 1964 and pursued a long and distinguished career in opera houses all over the world. In 1999 he accepted the post of Artistic Leader of the Dutch National Opera Academy, retiring from this position in 2015. He then became Artistic Advisor to the Vocal Department of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam where he is still active to this day. With today’s performance of “Enoch Arden” he marks his 82nd birthday.
Having commenced her international career at the age of eleven, pianist Hanna Shybayeva has transformed from being a 'child prodigy' to the mature and exciting musician she is today. Hanna studied with professor Naum Grubert at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where she graduated with the highest distinction. Devoted to music in every form, she enjoys her solo performances as much as being a partner in both chamber and vocal music. Hanna is a great admirer of different music genres and collaborates closely with jazz musicians on projects involving improvisation. Since 2008 she has been a member of the New European Ensemble, one of the most innovative, vibrant and versatile ensembles for new music. Being a devoted educator, Hanna is a piano professor at the Conservatory of Amsterdam.
Richard Strauss Enoch Arden (text by Alfred, Lord Tennyson) Op. 38 (1897)
Alexander Oliver, narrator
Hanna Shybayeva, piano
