International Classical Music Awards
2022
Nominated - Premiere Recording

Wolfgang Koch (Mathis), Kurt Streit (Albrecht von Brandenburg), Manuela Uhl (Ursula), Franz Grundheber (Riedinger), Slovak Philharmonic Choir

Wiener Symphoniker, Bertrand de Billy, Keith Warner

Hindemith conceived Mathis der Maler, his opera in seven tableaux, as a reimagining of Matthias Grünewalds Isenheim Altarpiece, a depiction of Christ's intense suffering and crucifixion. Set during the turbulence of the German Peasants revolt in the early 16th century, the works focus is on artistic freedom of expression and human isolation during a time of plague, repression and violence. Hindemith wrote his own libretto finding in Grünewald a metaphor for his own times. Performances of the opera in Germany were duly banned by the Nazis.

"[Koch's] gentle charisma and sonorous vocal expressivity call to mind his own performances of Hans Sachs and, by extension, suggest a parallel between Mathis and Sachs...The score has a reputation for toughness yet unfolds here with wonderful luminosity under the baton of Bertrand de Billy. An essential release, especially since it is the only performance of the work on DVD." - Opera, November 2021.