EMMERICH KÁLMÁN (1882-1953): Kaiserin Josephine.

Catalogue Number: 11U047
Label: CPO
Reference: 555 136-2
Format: CD
Price: $31.98
Description: Premièred in 1936, this was Kálmán’s antepenultimate stage work and has no transatlantic elements. Rather he conjures up the hoary operetta world of the second Viennese era, its focus looking backwards: operetta as the scene of a glorified and glorifying vision of the past, as armchair historiography. No longer do fictitious counts, countesses and lieutenants people his scenarios, but figures of historical stature (here Napoleon and Josephine). Nevertheless, all of Kálmán’s regular musical fingerprints are still there. 2 CDs. No libretto. Miriam Portmann (soprano), Vincent Schirrmacher (tenor), Chorus of the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl, Franz Lehár Orchestra; Marius Burkert.