Day 30: Most underrated opera ever! Schwanda der Dudelsackpfeifer by Jaromir Weinberger. I have loved this opera since I first heard the terrific Columbia recording with Lucia Popp, Hermann Prey, and the fantastic Siegfried Jerusalem. Alas, I cant find any examples from this recording on line, for I really wanted to post Jerusalems brilliant version of Babinskys Aria. However, this selection will have to do--and it is still fairly good if not as carefree, brilliant, and glowing as Jerusalems. I truly love this opera and think it deserves to be known for more than its justly famous polka and beautiful overture. A smash hit when it premiered in Europe int he late 1920s, it was promptly banned by Hitler and the composer fled to America and died in obscurity in Florida, if I am not mistaken. Although it had a successful MET performance in the early 1930s, the opera is rarely, if ever, performed. The Columbia recording was well reviewed and did well, but productions are rare. I think Schwanda deserves a second shot at mainstream acceptance. youtube/watch?v=dgnipSIfUVk
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:03:39 +0000
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