PAUL ABRAHÁM (1892-1960): Ball at the Savoy (First Recording of English Language Version).

Description: Hungarian composer Paul Abrahám enjoyed huge success across Europe with his ‘jazz operettas’, not least in Weimar Berlin where his works scored for an orchestra augmented by a jazz band caused a sensation. Ballim Savoy has a plot reminiscent of Die Fledermaus and its variety of influences, some European and some reflective of contemporary American popular song, won the kind of acclaim only equaled by Franz Lehár. The premiere, which took place in December 1932, was for some the last major cultural event of Weimar Germany. 2 CDs. Libretto available online. Alison Kelly, Cynthia Fortune Gruel (sopranos), Gerald Frantzen (tenor), Ryan Trent Oldham (baritone), Folks Operetta; Anthony Barrese.