Credits:

Sylvia Alimena

Description:

The Bohemian composer Gasmann (17291774) was an opera composer whose reputation at the time rivaled that of Gluck. It is said that even Mozart held him in high regard. Yet in 1774, at the very height of his creative powers, Gasmann suffered an unfortunate accidenthe fell from a carriageand passed away at the age of 45. Had he lived longer, his fame would undoubtedly have shone even brighter. All of the overtures included here follow the fastslowfast pattern characteristic of 18th-century opera overtures (sinfonie), and each is bright, cheerful, beautiful, and just a touch sentimental. They are all captivating works that will surely make you want to listen to the entire opera. [Comment provided by Naxos Japan]—