Lehar: Paganini (complete operetta recorded 1977)

Declaration of artistic independence: Two lovers who don't get to enjoy a happy ending, and a finale featuring an extensive violin solo in lieu of the customary large-scale vocal ensemble: Léhar's Paganini heralds the composer's break with operetta tradition, aiming as it does atmore sophisticated music and more serious subjects such as we find in opera. The audience of the day was offended: despite the big tenor hits and the expression love duets, Paganini flopped at its Vienna première. Only thanks to support from the great Lehár tenor Richard Tauber did the piece subsequently enjoy the success it deserved. In addition to the tried-and-tested leads Anneliese Rothenberger and Nicolai Gedda, this recording also features Ulf Hoelscher, one of the most experienced violinists of his day.