Schubert wrote his first theatrical work when he was fourteen and his hopes of success in the genre, never truly realised, were long lasting. He wrote concert overtures and music for Singspiele (Song-plays), in some of which he was guided by his teacher, Salieri. The music for the melodrama Die Zauberharfe (The Magic Harp) is better known as the Overture to Rosamunde, but evidence of his captivating vitality, tunefulness and theatricality is everywhere to be heard.

Of Volume 1 of the CD release (8570328) the American Record Guide wrote: ‘The Prague players relish these sun-lit and tuneful pieces and respond with great enthusiasm and affection.’

Christian Benda descends from a long line of distinguished musicians dating back to 1686. He is First Guest Conductor of the Turin Philharmonic Orchestra and Chief Conductor of the Prague Sinfonia with which he has recorded numerous standard classical works, as well as the compositions of his ancestors, and is currently recording Rossini’s complete overtures.