The third of five programmes devoted to Schubert's operas, broadcast to mark the bicentenary of his birth. David Owen Norris introduces Die
Freunde von Salamanka (The Friends of Salamanka), with contributions from Schubert biographer
Elizabeth Norman McKay. The work dates from 1815, when the 19-year-old Schubert was beginning to master the genre. He was very dependent upon his friends throughout his short life, so the plot was particularly relevant. This recording was made at the 1993 Edinburgh Festival. Jeremy Sams 's narration is read by Juliet Stevenson.
Scottish Opera Chorus,
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor David Robertson