Nielsen: Saul & David
It's amazing that this superb biblical opera isn't better known. Nielsen's symphonies are firmly in the international repertoire, and given their high level of drama and energy, you would think that his two operas would receive at least the occasional performance outside of Denmark. Well, that's why the compact disc was invented. Most will know the story--King Saul is jealous of the young David to the point of madness, and persecutes him until their final reconciliation on his death bed. The lack of a conventional female love interest may be what keeps this piece from becoming more popular. Handel solved this problem in his oratorioSaulby giving the David role to a woman (or countertenor, which is much the same thing), but Nielsen wasn't into anything that kinky. So we have no choice but to enjoy the recording and wait for a live production.--David Hurwitz