The main musical recording for this album took place at Henry Wood Hall, London, in December 2013, while dialogue was recorded separately at St Jude's Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb.
Composition History
Offenbach's opera Fantasio was written immediately after the Franco-Prussian War, a dark period in the composer's life, and was not warmly received at its premiere.
Composition History
The role of Fantasio was originally conceived for a leggiero tenor, Victor Capoul, but was revised into a 'trouser role' for mezzo-soprano Célestine Galli-Marié after Capoul's departure for the USA.
Album & Artwork
This recording is dedicated to the memory of Michael John Heathcote, who passed away in March 2014.
Critical Reception
Despite the opera's short run, the music critic Bénédict praised Offenbach's score for Fantasio in Le Figaro, highlighting the first act as a complete success and noting its genuine operatic quality.
Recording & Production
This recording presents the Paris version of Fantasio, as heard at its first performance in 1872, with the addition of Fantasio's ballad 'Pleure, le ciel te voit,' which Offenbach removed during rehearsals.
Composer Biography
Offenbach's career began in England in 1844, where he toured as a virtuoso cellist to prove his talent and financial capability before marrying Herminie de Alcain.
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