Houtzeel:Vinzenz Praxmarer - SUPPE: Fatinitza

Fatinitza', a work premiered in 1876 is certainly a masterpiece. The Leh?�r Festival in Bad Ischl presented the practically forgotten original version of this gem last year and CPO is proud to be able to present it here to you on this world premi?�re production. 'Fatinitza', an operetta in three acts, based on 'La Circasienne' of Eug?�ne Scribe, set by Auber, has a text by Zell and Gen?�e, two of the most distinguished collaborators in the genre of operetta. Set in the Crimean War, it deals with the mistakes that occur when Lieutenant Wladimir adopts female disguise, captivating the General Kantschukoff and later finding himself imprisoned in a Turkish harem. It was first staged at the Carltheater in 1876. Franz von Supp?�'s numerous operettas are endowed with a rare melodic richness, but only the overtures continue to be performed today - a great injustice, considering the fact that his operettas or 'comic operas' (as they were termed at the time) are not only masterly in their harmonic composition and magnificently instrumented but also brimming with catchy melodies.