The Art of the World: How to Enchant Men and Transform Them into Wild Animals

Giuseppe Gazzaniga (1743-1818) is a figure in opera history that is often only known to experts in the field. However, his work has had a lasting impact, as evidenced by the fact that Mozart was familiar with his opera „Don Giovanni.“ Gazzaniga, a celebrated composer from Verona, was known for his operas, with one of his notable works being „L’isola d’Alcina“ from 1772.

Werner Ehrhardt, the director of the Originalklang-Ensemble L’arte del mondo, has been dedicated to uncovering forgotten operas from the 18th century. Recently, he discovered around 50 operas by Gazzaniga and recorded „L’isola d’Alcina“ on CD. This opera is based on the character Alcina from Ariosto’s epic poem „Orlando furioso,“ a sorceress who enchants men on her island.

Ehrhardt and L’arte del mondo bring out the comedic elements of Gazzaniga’s opera with vitality and humor. The opera plays with the traditional Alcina motifs in a parodic manner, creating a lighthearted and entertaining production. The diverse cast of singers, each bringing their own accent to the Italian libretto, adds to the charm of the performance.

While the singers shine in ensemble pieces, there are some inconsistencies in solo performances. Francesca Lombardi Mazzulli, in the title role of Alcina, delivers a somewhat uneven performance. However, the overall ensemble work is a highlight of the production.

In terms of the music, Ehrhardt and his ensemble make the most of Gazzaniga’s score, bringing out the best in the composition. The music, while not as complex or rich as that of Gazzaniga’s contemporaries like Paisiello and Cimarosa, still showcases the composer’s skill in creating engaging and entertaining operas.

Moving on to another aspect of Ehrhardt’s work, the focus on symphonies from the Mozart era is evident in the recording of Joseph Aloys Schmittbaur’s works. Schmittbaur, a composer who lived to the age of 91, was a contemporary of the Viennese Classical period. His symphonies, particularly the ones recorded by Ehrhardt, show a blend of Baroque and Classical elements, with strong thematic contrasts and soloistic passages for the wind instruments.

Overall, Ehrhardt’s dedication to uncovering and recording forgotten operas and symphonies from the 18th century sheds light on lesser-known composers like Gazzaniga and Schmittbaur. Through his work with L’arte del mondo, Ehrhardt brings these hidden gems to life, showcasing the richness and diversity of music from this period.