Donald Satz [[log in to unmask]] wrote:

>I have somewhere in my house a cd or a 2-cd set on Virgin of a Naumann
>opera or opera-like work - can't remember the name of the composition.
>I thought it was a fine work, but the fact that I have no idea where it
>is probably indicates something (maybe more about me than the work).

Great to hear Johann Gottlieb Naumann mentioned on the list, as he was a
very good composer.  The work Mister Satz is referring to is "Gustaf Wasa",
a 2 CD set opera on VIRGIN-Classics [VCD 5 54148 2].  I would say this is
an interesting work, as it is the finest of all Gustavian works.  The opera
is seldom played, amybe that has to do with that it is a patriotic story
which fit the rivality feelings between Sweden and Denmark in the 18th
century well, but true it had been more "timeless" if it had contained
a lovestory.  But what shall that be in an opera like this?

I wished Naumann had realized his plans for an opera on the love affair
between Elizabeth of England & Erik XIV - which had been another story
from the 16th century.  Of course the whole game is fun: Elizabeth and
Erik didn't got along very well, and to punish King Erik, Queen Elizabeth
started with claiming he was homo, and when that didn't strike hard enough,
she tried say he was rude and intrusive.  How fun!

But by all means; don't miss this work by Naumann, it is a riot indeed!!

Andreas von Doebeln
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