Heinrich Marschner developed his own distinctive operatic style that enabled him to become the leading German opera composer between Weber and the rise of Wagner. The works in this second volume of overtures and stage music (Volume 1 is on 8574449) span much of his compositional life, from the early commission for Prinz Friedrich von Homburg, a work that explores ethical philosophy, to the sumptuous and varied excerpts from Austin. The stirring overture from his dramatic cantata Klänge aus Osten reinforces his orchestral mastery and sense of colour.

Vol.1 can be heard on Naxos 8574449 with the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice under Dario Salvi. ‘These performances are fine, and the [orchestra] plays its heart out. Dario Salvi seems to be making the rounds with music of this type, and he does a good job here. The sound is good too’, wrote American Record Guide.

Salvi has also recorded Bronsart’s Jery und Bätely; ‘it may qualify as an important work by virtue of its being, allegedly, the first opera by a German female composer. That may be enough of an incentive for committed opera mavens to acquire this release’ (Fanfare).

Humperdinck’s music for the stage is available on Naxos 8574177: ‘The performances are uniformly skilled and spirited. The singing from both the soloists and the chorus is excellent – lively in expression and accurate in pitch and phrasing. Salvi conducts with a flexibility most effective for theater music’ (American Record Guide).

The Hradec Králové Philharmonic has appeared in prestigious concert halls across Europe, including the Große Musikvereinssaal in Vienna, the Gewandhaus in Leipzig and the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp. The orchestra has had concerts broadcasted on Czech Television, TV Noe and Radio Prague, and has appeared at major festivals such as Prague Spring, Smetana’s Litomyšl International Opera Festival and the Leoš Janáček International Music Festival.