Blindekuh (‘Blind Man’s Buff’) was Johann Strauss II’s sixth operetta and his least known. Neglected for well over a century, it was revived by Dario Salvi and the forces on this album in January 2019. The work’s initial lack of success is hard to explain but it may have been caused by a confusing libretto – the music itself is vibrant and captivating with waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, marches and bel canto arias. Performed in a concert version without dialogue, and in accordance with performing traditions, this production restores the work to the status of one of Strauss’s most melodically seductive works.

Aside from his dance pieces, Johann Strauss II is also well known for his operettas, particularly Die Fledermaus (‘The Bat’) and Die Ziguenerbaron (‘The Gypsy Baron’). This new recording continues our revival of Strauss’s stage works, which previously included Eine Nacht in Venedig (‘A Night in Venice’) on 866026869,described by MusicWeb International as ‘a veritable string of pearls of ear-catching melodies, lavishly orchestrated and grateful for the singers.’ Other releases include Fürstin Ninetta (‘Princess Ninetta’) on 866022728 and Jabuka (‘The Apple Festival’) on 866021617. Of the rarely-heard Die Göttin der Vernunft (‘The Goddess of Reason’, 866028081), Gramophone commented that the ‘performance is an excellent one’.

This revival of Blindekuh is performed in concert version without dialogue. All singers engage with intelligence, finesse and warmth. Conductor Dario Salvi has recreated the dazzling music with attention to performing traditions, ‘breathing’ the right tempi against the current trend to rush, and conversely without ever forcing the pace by intervening restraints and self-conscious nuances. He draws the composer’s bright tones from the orchestra, leading his singers to vivify this evocative and seductive music.

Cast:
- Herr Scholle: Robert Davidson (bass-baritone)
- Frau Arabella: Kirsten C. Kunle (soprano)
- Waldine: Martina Bortolotti (soprano)
- Hellmuth Forst: Roman Pichler (tenor)
- Adolf Bothwell: James Bowers (tenor)
- Betsy: Andrea Chudak (soprano)
- Herr Kragel: Daniel Schliewa (tenor)
- Fräulein Elvira: Emily K Byrne (mezzo-soprano)
- Johann: Julian Rohde (tenor)