We are proud to announce the release of our latest production in cooperation with De Nederlandse Opera: Franz Schreker's rarely performed early 20th century masterpiece Der Schatzgräber. 

The early 20th century Austrian composer Franz Schreker is especially known for his operas. Der Schatzgräber (The Treasure Hunter) was completed in 1918 and premiered Frankfurt in 1920. On this recording, the second in a Nederlandse Opera series on Challenge Classics, the Netherlands Philharmonic and the Netherlands Opera Chorus are conducted by Marc Albrecht. The cast includes Tijl Faveyts, Raymond Very, and Kay Stiefermann.

Mystic medievalism
Schreker pondered what an artist should offer to modern society. In Der Schatzgräber, this crisis of conscience finds voice in mystic medievalism. The opera’s plot centres around a queen who has lost her jewels, and with them her beauty and fertility.

Marc Albrecht has been the chief conductor of the Netherlands Philharmonic and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra since the 2011-2012 season. He is particularly known for his interpretations of works by Wagner and Richard Strauss, and of contemporary music. His critically acclaimed live recording of Strauss’s Elektra with the Netherlands Philharmonic (CC72565) was released on Challenge Classics in 2012.