Search - Lehar, Stojkovich, Bauer :: Franz Lehar: Die Blaue Mazur

Another CPO gem!

Brett Farrell | Cape May, NJ USA | 06/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here we have even more forgotten charming music from the brilliant and limitless pen of Franz Lehar. `Die Blaue Mazur' was an initial success when it first premiered but eventually disappeared into obscurity over time and lingered in the shadows of Lehar's larger and more successful works. Finally CPO has brushed away the cobwebs and brought this worthy musical contribution out of the shade into the light where it belongs.

Full of charming music with a period Weimar sound and flavored with a touch of mazurka throughout this album is just beautiful. The story of a couple who in the first act get married, break up in the second and reunite in the third it never followed the operetta standard which might explain its temporary disappearance. But like all buried treasure it was dug up and may now be re-appreciated.

Although every song is a showstopper in itself, if your favorite part of an operetta was the grand Act finales than you will really love Die Blaue Mazur as it has three rather grand act enders.

As to be expected this is another worthy recording by the CPO label with nothing but the best singers and performances done with the highest grade sound quality. There is a book with a history and plot synopsis in three languages but no libretto and it is recorded with the dialogue but thankfully the dialogue is on separate tracks.

I must recommend this CD to any Lehar fan. General operetta fan's might not appreciate this operetta so much if they expect typical operetta fare. However if you are a lover of great music and have a more sophisticated musical palate then do not hesitate to put this on your plate."