Die Feuersbrunst, oder das abgebrannte Haus (The Conflagration, or the Burned-Down House) is a marionette opera (or more properly marionette-singspiel, for the dialogue is spoken) composed by Joseph Haydn in the late 1770s. He wrote several of these for the Empress Maria Theresa's marionette theater at Esterháza castle, and other big names such as Salieri and Piccinni composed these comic works as well. Some of the repertory has been lost to general neglect and World War II-era bombs, and even for what is left, recordings ...
Read More
Die Feuersbrunst, oder das abgebrannte Haus (The Conflagration, or the Burned-Down House) is a marionette opera (or more properly marionette-singspiel, for the dialogue is spoken) composed by Joseph Haydn in the late 1770s. He wrote several of these for the Empress Maria Theresa's marionette theater at Esterháza castle, and other big names such as Salieri and Piccinni composed these comic works as well. Some of the repertory has been lost to general neglect and World War II-era bombs, and even for what is left, recordings and performances have been very rare. It's rather mysterious that lavish productions of the likes of Cavalli and Rameau get mounted from time to time, but a work like this one, which would be within the capabilities of a local group that could round up enough marionette-makers, has languished. So, kudos to CPO for this live recording of a 2006 performance of the work from Potsdam. The music at times seems intended to work in tandem with the gestures of marionettes , and the cover...
Read Less
