Lehar: Highlights From "The Merry Widow" - Strauss II: Highlights From "The Gypsy Baron"

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of operetta with Carl Davis' captivating album, "Lehar: Highlights From 'The Merry Widow' - Strauss II: Highlights From 'The Gypsy Baron'". Released on January 4, 2011, under the Collins Classics label, this orchestral gem is a delightful journey through two timeless classics.

The album opens with Franz Lehar's "The Merry Widow", a beloved operetta that has charmed audiences for over a century. Carl Davis masterfully conducts the overture, Maxim March, and other highlights, bringing to life the wit, charm, and romance of this iconic work. The album also features the enchanting "Vilja" and the lively "Weiber March", showcasing the full range of emotions and energy that Lehar's music has to offer.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Johann Strauss II's "The Gypsy Baron", another operetta masterpiece. Davis' interpretation of the overture, "The Fortune Teller", and the lively "Husaren Polka" captures the spirit and humor of Strauss' music, making it a joy to listen to from start to finish.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of operetta for newcomers, and a delightful revisit for seasoned fans. Carl Davis' expertise and passion for this music shine through in every note, making this album a true celebration of these two operetta classics.