Philemon and Baucis (a marionette opera)

"Philemon and Baucis is a strange and remarkable work. Originally composed in 1773, it is the only survivor that we know of among Haydn's scant half-dozen or so marionette operas. The first movement of the overture, Allegro con espressione, says it all. This is exceptionally moving stuff, full of Sturm und Drang, with Haydn taking pains to give his marionettes music of substantial humanity and warmth. There's a terrific opening storm chorus and a selection of brief arias of really striking beauty, particularly the son Aret's "return to life" number, "Wenn am weiten Firmamente", with its pathetic solo oboe and pizzicato strings.

Happily, the cast here is very strong. The music is not unusually taxing to sing, and Huss has found firm, pleasant voices all around--there are no weak links at all. The scoring--flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, timpani, and strings--is quite colorful too, and the Haydn Sinfonietta Wien makes the most of it. Although necessarily for Haydn specialists, the music here really is special. Even though I'm no fan of spoken dialog (in German or any other language), this vividly recorded release gives the fullest picture of this genuinely moving work."
9 / 9 ClassicsToday Nov 2009)