The fourth of five programmes devoted to Schubert's operas in his bicentenary year. David Owen Norris introduces Alfonso und Estrella, with contributions from Schubert biographer Elizabeth Norman McKay. This was Schubert's favourite opera, and he and inexperienced librettist Schober threw themselves into the project, visiting a castle belonging to Schubert's bishop uncle so that they could concentrate on completing the work. The result is a feast for the ears which also betrays both men's inexperience at that time in staged drama.
Berlin Radio Choir and Staatskapelle, conductor Otmar Suitner
Discs