JOSEPH HAYDN (1732-1809): Die Feuersbrunst, Hob. XXIXb:A.

Description: One of several marionette- or puppet-operas Haydn wrote, this possibly dates from 1776-78, it only having been attributed to Haydn in the late 1950s by H.C. Robbins Landon. Its simple plot - Hanswurst, a chimney-sweep using various disguises to confound an estate overseer and win his daughter - is supported by simple, melodic, lively music with a few touching minor-key arias along the way (in fact 21 of its 26 numbers are arias). 2 CDs. German-English libretto. Isa Katharina Gericke (soprano), Andreas Karasiak, Ferdinand von Bothmer (tenors), Otto Katzameier (baritone), Capella Augustina; Andreas Spering.