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Posted by Mike Hardy on May 5, 2026, 9:31 am, in reply to "Thomas de Hartmann (1885-1956) Esther "
"Lost"no more,thanks to the Pentatone team!
I have been quite overwhelmed by this, whether it is an opera or an oratorio (with a bit of ballet!) is irrevelent. Sure, there are influences, some flavour of Debussy's Pelleas, hints of (early) Prokofief and Khachaturian in the dances (is Anna Pyne the suoerb flautist, she should be credited) and do I hear "Carmen" on 1/21? Surely not!
The singing, playing and conducting are all first rate as is the recording which thankfully captures the chorus in all its glory.Above all thanks to maestro Karabits.
Whatever, this is a terrific work, so much to absorb and enjoy, do try it! My find of the year. 
Previous Message
Thank you for this excellent review, Jim. I have not heard the CDs yet (anxiously awaited!) but managed to overhear a few minutes of the recording sessions. The deep involvement of the whole team was apparent, total commitment to a work that almost certainly few even knew existed. One quibble Jim, Kirill Karabits deserves considerablep raise, not just fot this but for "discovering" so much East/West music. He deserved a stronger mention!
Message Thread 
Thomas de Hartmann (1885-1956) Esther - Mike Hardy April 16, 2026, 8:22 am
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