Feuersnot

Richard Strauss's second opera—a rarely performed 1901 one-act piece—is mounted here by Palermo's Teatro Massimo in a 2014 production. The title—which roughly translates as A Hunger for Fire—is a double entendre. On one hand it refers to a longing for romantic ardor on the part of the magician Kunrad, who rashly kisses Diemut, the burgomaster's daughter, during the midsummer celebration, only to have her humiliate him before the townspeople. But it also indicates the nature of Kunrad's revenge: he uses his powers to extinguish all the fires for the festivities, restoring them only when Diemut succumbs to his advances. Despite some Wagnerian overtones, the score already reflects the lushness of Strauss's mature style, and conductor Gabriele Ferro draws a fervent performance from the company orchestra. Dietrich Henschel and Nicola Beller Carbone shine as Kunrad and Diemut, although both look rather old for their roles, and the supporting cast is excellent. The staging by Emma Dante moves the action—somewhat problematically—from 12th-century Germany to what appears to be early 20th-century Italy, and fills the single set with so much activity by choristers, supernumeraries, and acrobats that the overall effect is oppressively busy. Still, the opportunity to see Feuersnot at all makes this worthwhile. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a “making-of” featurette. Recommended. (F. Swietek)