Lehar - Franz Leh�r: Cloclo, Operettta in three acts by B�la Jenbach, Version: Jenny W. Gregor

No buffo couple, no choruses, no dance scenes, and, most of all, no psychological conflict: the action of Cloclo is not at all typical of Franz Leh�r. It is a chamber operetta but more than a mirthful intermezzo for the lyrical opera Paganini: it is its comedic counterpart. The foxtrot 'Ich habe La Gar�onne gelesen' became the operetta�s hit at the premiere on 8 March 1924. It referred to Victor Margueritte�s novel of the same name abouta prototypical young woman of the 1920s who leads an independent existence, wears short dresses and sports a bobbed hairdo, and, to top it all, is a sexual libertine. Unanimously enthusiastic reviews followed last year after the semi-scenic performance on which our recording is based, and the Leh�r Festival in Bad Ischl won the coveted 'Operetten frosch July 2019' for this rewarding rediscovery. The Bavarian Radio, full of praise, raved: 'Marius Burkhard in the meantime has reached an astonishing level with his Leh�r Orchestra. His feel for the right tempos but especially his sense of the tonal values of Leh�r�s score attest to his status as one of today�s best operetta conductors. And the most marvelous thing: every member of the orchestra has obvious fun and a smile on her or his face. Don�t be a frog, kiss him. The Operetta Editorial Staff is convinced and offers its congratulations for great operetta courageousness.'