L'Irato ou l'Emporte

"It was Napoleon who encouraged Mehul to leaven his more learned style with the graceful melodies of a Paisiello or a Chimarosa, though the result - as heard in this forgotten one-act comedie parade of 1801 - bespeaks a distinguished musician in every bar…Inventive in harmony and orchestration, as well as in its careful word setting, melodiousness and wit, this is a musical gem…the quality of the music will surprise listeners unfamiliar with Mehul's name. This is a very able performance on period instruments by the German ensemble L'arte del mondo, impressively mobilised by conductor Werner Ehrhardt." George Hall, Opera Now Choice (Sept/Oct)