Daniel-François-Esprit Auber (1782-1871)

[cilgwyn]

Auber: La Muette de Portici Alfredo Kraus,June Andersen,John Aler,Jean-Philippe Lafont  Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo / Thomas Fulton   emi 2 cd's

     

I love there operas by French composers like Auber,Adam and Boieldieu (and Herold,it seems!) :) :) :) :) :) As some members will know,this is probably the only opera ever to precipitate a revolution! Although,the truth has been romanticised,as usual,with such tales! It's also a key work in operatic history,as the first 'grand' opera! Needless to say,the music is a delight! Composers like Auber really knew how to serve up the goods when it comes to colorful,tuneful scores. I have the Cpo recording as well which is very good & generally regarded as superior. This emi set is pretty decent to my ears (albeit,not outstanding) and it's usually much cheaper s/h! Alfredo Kraus was knocking on (aren't we all?!) when he recorded this! The dumb heroine (literally,in this instance!) jumps into a volcano (Vesuvius) at the end of the opera,as you do!

[Albion]

I'm really enjoying the series of overtures and orchestral extracts on Naxos. There was a project initiated with the Orchestre de Cannes under Wolfgang Dorner in 2016 but this was for some reason aborted, although described as volume 1 - nevertheless it's a great disc of "lollipops" (Naxos 8.573553).

In 2019 a splendid new Naxos series conducted by Dario Salvi began, and has now reached volume 5. All these discs are full of such wonderful music, and extremely well-played and conducted.

Auber is often overlooked but he was a major player and a significant influence on many composers, not least Sullivan who edited several of his operas in vocal score for Boosey...

 :)

[cilgwyn]

I'm really enjoying the series of overtures and orchestral extracts on Naxos. There was a project initiated with the Orchestre de Cannes under Wolfgang Dorner in 2016 but this was for some reason aborted, although described as volume 1 - nevertheless it's a great disc of "lollipops" (Naxos 8.573553).

In 2019 a splendid new Naxos series conducted by Dario Salvi began, and has now reached volume 5. All these discs are full of such wonderful music, and extremely well-played and conducted.

Auber is often overlooked but he was a major player and a significant influence on many composers, not least Sullivan who edited several of his operas in vocal score for Boosey...

 :)

Yes,a very talented composer! :)