SIMON MAYR (1763-1845): Saffo.

Description: After a string of oratorios from this source, we finally get another opera and not just any opera; it’s Mayr’s first (1793). His innovative ideas started right at the beginning: only two acts instead of the almost mandatory three and bringing Viennese Classicism to Italian bel canto. His delectable scoring is already evident too, with winds in important accompanying roles and some striking sound effects in a second act chorus. 2 CDs. Libretto and translation available online. Andrea Lauren Brown, Jaewon Yun (sopranos), Markus Schäfer (tenor), Marie Sande Papenmeyer (mezzo), Members of the Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Simon Mayr Chorus, Concerto de Bassus; Franz Hauk.