CARL MILLÖCKER (1842-1899): Gasparone.

Description: Known practically only for Die Bettelstudent, Millöcker was the third in the triad of Viennese operetta composers along with Suppé and Strauss Jr. This 1884 brigand operetta, set in Sicily and burgeoning with ensembles and choruses (and even - shock! - counterpoint), was the next one he composed after Bettelstudent and was just as popular at the time. Original version (a 1931 adaptation bastardized it significantly). 2 CDs. No libretto. Miriam Portmann (soprano), Thomas Zisterer (baritone), Roman Martin (tenor), Gerhard Ernst (baritone), Chorus of the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl, Franz Lehár Orchestra; Marius Burkert.