Mayr, J.S.: Tobia, O Tobiae Matrimonium [Oratorio]

Featuring

Franz Hauk
Judith Spiesser
Margriet Buchberger
Cornelia Horak
Stefanie Irányi
Susanne Bernhard

Simon Mayr Ensemble
Simon Mayr Chor
Johann Simon Mayr

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Performer Biography

The Simon Mayr Chorus, founded by conductor Franz Hauk in 2003, focuses on authentic historical performance and promoting the music of Simon Mayr.

Composition History

Simon Mayr's oratorio, "Tobiae matrimonium" (The Marriage of Tobias), was performed in Venice in 1794, but the exact date or specific occasion is unknown.

Composition History

A letter from Simon Mayr to his pupil Angiola Venturali (whom he later married) mentions his oratorio progressing slowly, possibly referring to "Tobiae matrimonium" and hinting at its period of origin.

Recording & Production

This recording uses a performing edition prepared by conductor Franz Hauk, as no autograph score of "Tobiae matrimonium" has survived.

Historical Context

The story of Tobias, from the Biblical Book of Tobit, was a popular subject for oratorios, especially in the Venetian ospedali (charitable institutions that also served as music conservatories).

Composer's Artistic Vision

Unlike many other Tobias oratorios, Simon Mayr's "Tobiae matrimonium" focuses solely on the wedding of Tobias and Sara, making it unique among the works composed for the ospedali.

Compositional Technique

Giuseppe Maria Foppa, the librettist for "Tobiae matrimonium", freely adapted the Biblical story, even changing character names like Raguel's wife from Edna to Anna.