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Sweethearts
Cast, Chorus & Orchestra of Ohio Light Opera, J. Lynn Thompson, conductor
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Opera
Another winner from the Ohio Light Opera with the first cd recording of this delightful comic opera.
Victor Herbert conducted the first performance of his delightful two-act operetta Sweethearts in Baltimore, after which the show was overhauled and shortened before spending five weeks in Philadelphia and another five in Boston. Anticipation of the New York premiere of the work (on September 8, 1913 at the New Amsterdam Theater) was heightened by advertisements proclaiming that Christine MacDonald (whose name was printed in larger type than Herbert's) would be the star. The "dainty" Miss MacDonald (no relation to Jeanette) was thereafter praised by the New York Star for singing with "rare skill" and the Tribune applauded "the delicate care Herbert has bestowed upon his orchestration, which at times rises to the level of grand opera." The Times stressed the charm of the composer's music, but dryly noted that the authors were not guilty of any "treasonable offence against the Society of Stereo-types, Limited." The original book was written by Harry B. Smith and Fred de Gresac, the lyrics by Harry's brother Robert B. Smith. With straight faces the authors claimed their story was based on an episode in 15th century history, but in fact, they merely relied on the much-used motif of the lost-princess-in-disguise. The present recording is taken from live performances at Ohio Light Opera's 2002 Summer Festival and features an updated edition by Ohio Light Opera's artistic director Steven Daigle and frequent collaborator Quade Winter. The Herbert score is left unchanged and the dialogue is slightly revised for contemporary audiences. Irish by birth, Victor Herbert became an American citizen, served as principal cellist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, founded ASCAP and later was cello soloist in his own compositions. He also conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony.Contents:
Victor Herbert, composerSweethearts
Cast, Chorus & Orchestra of Ohio Light Opera, J. Lynn Thompson, conductor