Search - Mozart :: Magic Flute: Introduction to Mozart

A fine introduction to a complex work

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 12/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For quite some time now, the Metropolitan Opera Guild tapes and CDs have been the "nonesuch" of recorded introductions to selected operas. Then about a year or so ago, Naxos began its "Opera Explained" series with introductions to "Aida" and "The Barber of Seville." This series has now grown to 8 with the addition of "An Introduction to 'Carmen'" (8.558010), "'La Boheme" (8.558011), "Tosca" (8.558047), "Rigoletto" (8.558048), "The Flying Dutchman"( 8.558013), and "The Magic Flute" (8.558012). Each of the texts are written by Thomson Smillie and narrated impeccably by David Timson. As do the Metropolitan sets (many of which are no longer available), these sets begin with a general introduction to the composer and his times. The last two entries, as did the "Tosca," I feel, take a little long in playing music from the composers' other works; but in general, the facts presented certainly help us to a deeper understanding of the single work with which the CD is concerned. Then the story of the opera is given with highlights drawn from the bottomless pit of Naxos recordings. (The Met tapes use old EMI sets for the most part.) As examples, they are fine; and while some of the singers used in the examples are less than admirable, "The Flying Dutchman" selections are quite good--and indeed the album was highly praised when it first appeared under the Naxos label. The target audience seems to be those who are coming into the world of opera "cold" or for those who want to brush up on a specific work before going to see it. But even a dyed in the wool opera buff will appreciate the insights Smillie scatters throughout his text. (My favorite is the fact that Mimi, Butterfly and Tosca are all heard off-stage before they enter for the first time!)
Unlike the Naxos introductions to classical music, these discs are accompanied by minimal program notes; but the text is clear enough and Timson's British enunciation and understated wit will please you all. Especially at the Naxos budget price."