Franz von Suppé - Die Schöene Galathée

Review by Jason Bush

Die Schöne Galathée is a delightful operetta composed by Franz von Suppé, and it has been brought to life in a stunning album that truly captures the essence of its playful and romantic themes. The album showcases the talents of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, and features a cast of outstanding soloists, including soprano Diana Damrau, tenor Nikolai Schukoff, and baritone Markus Werba.

The overture sets the tone for the entire album, with its lively and upbeat melodies that evoke images of a charming and whimsical world. The soloists bring their characters to life with their expressive and nuanced performances, capturing the humor, romance, and drama of the story with grace and finesse.

One of the standout tracks is the duet between Damrau and Schukoff, "Heut' noch werd' ich Ehefrau," which is a delightful and humorous exchange between two lovers. The orchestra provides a lively and colorful accompaniment, adding to the overall joyous atmosphere of the piece.

Another highlight is Werba's rendition of "Ich bin der Prolog," which is a rousing and energetic opening number that sets the stage for the rest of the operetta. Werba's rich and powerful baritone voice is perfectly suited for this piece, and he delivers it with great passion and enthusiasm.

Summary by Jason Bush

Die Schöne Galathée is a wonderful album that showcases the talents of the composer, the orchestra, and the soloists. It is a must-have for anyone who loves operetta and wants to experience the joy and whimsy of this classic work.