Torture chamber

'Bluebeard's Castle is to us what Pelléas is to France - The work is at the same time of irresistible, suggestive power from the first bar right through to the last. The seven doors that close one after the other give rise to a corresponding number of musical scenes which not only depict outward things, but are all imbued with inmost feeling as well. One is inclined to call the work a symphony in scenes, or a drama accompanied by a symphony. But one thing is certain: the one cannot be separated from the other' (Zoltán Kodály). Judith: Cornelia Kallisch, mezzo, Duke Bluebeard: Peter Fried, baritone. Grammy award.