Auber Overtures 3 — keeps getting better
By Ralph Graves
Maestro Dario Salvi leads a different ensemble for this installment of Auber opera overtures. The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra has a full, yet light sound that sometimes seems to sparkle. And that’s a sound well-suited to Auber’s music. And especially these overtures. Auber set the standard for French opera. His music is elegant, refined, and dazzling.
As with the other volumes, this release features some interesting programming. The disc starts with the Grand Overture for the Inauguration of the Londres Exposition of 1862. It has all the gravitas such an occasional work requires.
Also included is music from Les Chaperons Blancs, one of Auber’s least successful operas. Perhaps the entire opera doesn’t work, but the overture and entr’acte music certainly do (which can be a real advantage to collections like these).
Rêve d’amour was Auber’s final opera. It’s run was interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War. The score shows Auber still able to delight and engage audiences at 88. It’s especially interesting to listen to this music
It’s preceded on the album with the overture to La Muette de Portici — music that was written four decades before Rêve d’amour. Moving from one to the other Auber’s growth as a composer is readily apparent.
A strong addition to this series.
Daniel-François-Esprit Auber: Overtures 3
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra; Dario Salvi, conductor
Naxos 8.574007
