[.ca] Flotow: Alessandro Stradella

Rare but delightful:
Okay, Friedrich von Flotow's opera, ALESSANDRO STRADELLA, will never displace the works of Wagner, Weber, or even Otto Nicolai, but it has its distinctive and appealing charms, as evidenced by this delightful air check issued by Gala at an extremely favorable price. Flotow, of course, is much better known though his opera MARTHA, which still holds the stage, if barely (it once was a major repertoire item at the MET). This production, dating from 1977 (Bayerische Rundfunk), features some fine singing by Werner Hollweg in the title roll, and Helen Donath as Leonore. The easy arias, ensembles, and choruses fall nicely on the ear---much of the music is quite hummable, and indeed, Alessandro's famous aria, "Jungfrau Maria," continues to be a favorite of lyric tenors. Right now, I must confess, I can't get it out of my mind! In sum, a nice addition to the catalog, well worth the pittance to be charged. Thanks to Gala for making this little gem available.