Eva is a major operetta, one that was regarded as revolutionary in its time (1911) for its social implications, being the story of a poor factory worker romanced by the wealthy factory owner, and how other workers try to step in and break up the liaison. Musically, Eva also represents one of the last blasts of "old Vienna" before World War I silenced its unique brand of culture forever. However, for some reason, Eva has remained elusive on recordings outside of excerpt performances and antiques, and CPO's Franz Léhar: Eva ...
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Eva is a major operetta, one that was regarded as revolutionary in its time (1911) for its social implications, being the story of a poor factory worker romanced by the wealthy factory owner, and how other workers try to step in and break up the liaison. Musically, Eva also represents one of the last blasts of "old Vienna" before World War I silenced its unique brand of culture forever. However, for some reason, Eva has remained elusive on recordings outside of excerpt performances and antiques, and CPO's Franz Léhar: Eva comes courtesy of the Franz Léhar Festival in Bad Ischl, which has since 2003 done an excellent job of reviving Léhar's neglected operettas every summer. This recording features an excellent cast, led by soprano Morenike Fadayomi in the lead and tenor Reinhard Alessandri as her well-heeled, would-be suitor.This is about as ideal a recording as Eva could merit, given its long eclipse in the repertoire; the singing is excellent and the orchestra, led by Wolfgang Bozic, sounds great....
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