Description:

I had the chance to listen to this whole opera during the preparation of this set, and I must say that I wasn’t expecting much going into it.  The later Strauss operas can lean towards the ponderous.  I was pleasantly surprised at this very charming comedy replete with Strauss’ signature glorious melodies and inventive orchestral color which Wolfgang Sawallisch expertly brings out.  In this instance the opera is certainly aided by the stellar cast headed by Kurt Moll as Morosus.  It is almost decadent to have a voice of his warmth in a buffo role, but he seems to relish the chance to ham it up as well as spoil us with his velvet tones.  Reri Grist is the picture of charm in the title role.  And when the character makes the shift from ingénue to “fish wife” she unleashes a surprising amount of sound.  Donald Grobe plays her love interest and Martha Mödl’s brief appearance leaves the listener regretting that the role of the Haushälterin didn’t have more to do.  The sound is excellent.

OD 10426-2