FLORIAN LEOPOLD GASSMANN (1729-1774): Overtures to the Operas La notte critica, Gli uccellatori, Filosofia ed amore, La casa di campagna, La contessina, Il viaggiatore ridicolo, Il filosofo innamorato, L'amore artigiano, Un pazzo ne fa cento, Le pescatrici.

Description: Along with Galuppi and Piccinni, Gassmann was the foremost composer of opera buffa in the generation before Mozart. Almost half of his 21 operas are represented in this overture collection, all of which are in the typical Italian three-movement, fast-slow-fast form and lasting between five and eight minutes. Cheerful themes, lovely lyrical slow movements and imaginative orchestration (particularly with the winds) make for a satisfying experience. Eclipse Chamber Orchestra; Sylvia Alimena.