Siegfried Wagner - Der Bärenhäuter (The Bearskin Weaver) - Konrad Bach & Thüringian Symphony Orchestra, 19932CD - DDD - EAC Wave (single tracks, no cue) - Libretto - German - 71:15 & 68:17min.
MARCO POLO 8.223713-14
Volker Horn (Tenor) - Beth Johanning (Soprano) - Henry Kiichli (Bass) - Theresa Koon (Soprano) - Ksenija Lukic (Soprano) - Adalbert Waller (Baritone) - Thüringian Landestheater Chorus, Thüringian Symphony Orchestra, Konrad Bach, Conductor
"The action takes place at the close of the Thirty Years' War and the scene is laid in the country about Bayreuth. A summer landscape near a village is first shown. A joyous crowd of peasants are hurrying to town to welcome the soldiers returning from the war. They all are warmly received and welcomed by their friends. Finally, Hans Kraft comes, looking anxiously for his mother. After many vain inquiries, an old peasant informs him that his mother died about three years before, that little property had been left and that the old home is now in the hands of strangers. Hans endeavors to obtain lodging from some of the peasants but is refused in no very kindly manner. As all run merrily on to feast at the inn, Hans sinks to the ground and gives way to grief over the death of his mother and to indignation over his treatment by the villagers.
Just then there appears, laughing heartily over Hans' discomfiture, a person whom the young soldier easily recognizes as the Devil. His Satanic Majesty reminds Hans that the war is over and that he has no money and offers him rich treasure if he will serve for a year in Hell. His duties will be to keep the kettle boiling in which souls are tortured for punishment for their sins and to see that no one escapes. Hans, not caring much what happens, accepts the offer, and, having shut his eyes for a moment, reopens them in Hell. ..." -- Find more here
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