Albert Wolff - Overtures In Hi-Fi
Adolphe C. Adam - Si J'étais Roi
Daniel-Francois-Esprit Auber - Le Domino Noir
Ferdinand Hérold - Zampa
Emil Nikolaus Von Reznicek - Donna Diana
Franz von Suppé - Pique Dame
Carl Otto Ehrenfried Nicolai - The Merry Wives Of Windsor
Paris Conservatoire Orchestra
Conducted by Albert Wolff
1 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Stereo
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : Columbia
Recorded at Salle de la Mutualité, Paris
Engineered by Ken Cress
Produced by John Culshaw
Originally released in 1958
Reissued in 2002
Tracks :
Side A:
- Si J'étais Roi
- Le Domino Noir
- Zampa
Side B:
- Donna Diana
- Pique Dame
- The Merry Wives Of Windsor
Reviews :
Even the loveliest and lengthiest opera would seem so incomplete without an overture, like a male model without his socks. The other way round is no problem, though ideally the overture music should already contain the musical synopsis which later unfolds pleasurably into the arias and choruses. Of the six instrumental powerhouses heard here, three have their origin in the French opera comique tradition and the three others originate in the colourful musical life of the Austrian monarchy, and all are given the full limelight here by Albert Wolff and the orchestra of the Paris Conservatoire.
One is amazed at the way in which the maestro’s brisk pace still allows the listener to sample the subtleties which otherwise tend all too often to be subsumed into the sweet array of melodies. Served up with a good eye and a light touch, the more calmly flowing passages also unfold their full, fragrant aroma of chamber-music style clarity.
A delicate titbit and at the same time a listening tip: Reznicek’s Donna Diana overture. This piquant piece – which is not terribly easy to get hold of in digital form– enjoys a rarity value on vinyl and without doubt belongs in this repertoire.
Ratings :
Discogs : 4.8