Mayr: Alfredo il grande (Original 1819 Milan Version)

Featuring

Franz Hauk
Marie-Luise Dressen
Markus Schäfer
Daniel Ochoa
Anna Feith
Sophia Körber

Philipp Polhardt
Concerto de Bassus
Simon Mayr Chor
Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper
Johann Simon Mayr

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Composition History

The libretto for Alfredo il Grande was adapted by Bartolomeo Merelli, a pupil of Mayr who later became impresario of La Scala and championed the young Verdi.

Album & Artwork

This recording of Johann Simon Mayr's opera Alfredo il Grande is a world premiere recording.

Critical Reception

Alfredo il Grande premiered in Bergamo on December 26, 1819, causing a 'furore' according to numerous journals, though a Viennese digest noted only the second act received an enthusiastic reception.

Performer Biography

Marie-Luise Dressen, the mezzo-soprano singing Alfredo/Elfrido, was named Best Young Actress by Opernwelt in 2013 for her interpretations of Sesto and Ruggiero.

Compositional Technique

The opera features a special minstrel scene (Act II/Scene 5) where Elfrido, disguised as a bard, sings an aria accompanied by a unique combination of solo violin, clarinet, cor anglais, horn, solo cello, and harp.

Composition History

Johann Simon Mayr's opera Alfredo il Grande is based on the historical figure Alfred the Great, who unified England after defeating Danish Vikings in the 9th century.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mayr's Alfredo il Grande is considered a significant contribution to the development of melodramma romantico, influencing the next generation of bel canto composers like Donizetti and Bellini.