Renowned bass vocalist Rene Pape returns to audio players everywhere with Gods, Kings, & Demons. The album is a collection of both rarities and the works that have made him a household name among Opera enthusiasts worldwide. Pape is joined on this collection by Sebastian Weigle who leads the very able Staatskapelle Dresden. Pape’s voice is both massive and moving which extends his work’s appeal far beyond the confines of the Opera genre.
Gods, Kings, & Demons is a tremendously moving work. It is not an album easily relegated to the background as both the musical dynamics and Pape’s booming bass voice literally commands your attention at every turn. Opening with the album’s highlight, “Act 2 - No.7 Ronde du veau d'or: "Le veau d'or” from Faust. Pape establishes his preeminence rather quickly. The musical sway and striking stature of the vocal delivery is nearly flawless. Another highlight is Pape’s interpretation of “Act 2 - Tatest du's wirklich?" from Tristan Und Isolade. It’s a wildly emotional ride that is best absorbed while sipping a nice glass of wine and playing it loudly so that you can really feel the dynamics as it weaves its web.
I have to admit that while I am new to this genre as a whole, Pape is an absolutely enrapturing vocalist. He is both moving and believable and more than once you’ll find yourself staggered by how powerful he is. Pape is a staple in the genre and performs regularly with The Metropolitan Theater which shows brilliantly in his performances on Gods, Kings, & Demons.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
