Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Franz Lehár's "The Land of Smiles," a captivating opera that beautifully blends romance, drama, and cultural richness. Released on June 1, 1996, under the Telarc label, this timeless piece spans a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical storytelling.
"The Land of Smiles" is a three-act opera that unfolds a tale of love and cultural clash between a European princess and a Chinese prince. The opera is renowned for its lush, melodic score, which Franz Lehár masterfully weaves through each act, from the overture to the final, poignant notes. The tracklist is a journey through a variety of emotions and settings, from the celebratory "Three Cheers for Lisa!" to the tender "Before the Window of My Beloved," and the dramatic "I Forbid You to Go!"
Franz Lehár, a prominent figure in operetta, brings his signature charm and depth to this opera, making it a standout piece in his illustrious career. The opera's themes of love, duty, and cultural understanding are as relevant today as they were when it was first composed. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, "The Land of Smiles" promises an engaging and enriching listening experience.
The Land of Smiles: OvertureFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act I: Introduction and Entrance. Three Cheers for Lisa!Franz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Nancy Gustafson, London Voices, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act I: This Isn't the Only TimeFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Lynton Atkinson, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act I: I Tremble Whenever I Enter This RoomFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Lynton Atkinson, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act I: Now Will You Join Me in a Little Cup of Tea?Franz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act I: Before the Window of My BelovedFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act I: Finale. We Are AloneFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: PreludeFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: Entrance of Sou ChongFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra
The Land of Smiles, Act II: Ah, Who Has Given Us Our Dream Come True?Franz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Nancy Gustafson
The Land of Smiles, Act II: In Pagodas 'Cross the NationFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Lynton Atkinson, Naomi Itami, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: "Love" for Me, and "Love" for YouFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Lynton Atkinson, Naomi Itami, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: My Heart Belongs to You!Franz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: I Long for My Homeland, So Far AwayFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: Chinese Wedding ProcessionFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act II: Finale. I Forbid You to Go!Franz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act III: Love Cannot FailFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Bonynge, London Voices
The Land of Smiles, Act III: Zig, Zig, Zig!Franz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Lynton Atkinson, Naomi Itami, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act III: It's Strange How Happiness So Quickly FadesFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Naomi Itami, Richard Bonynge
The Land of Smiles, Act III: Finale. The Sun Which Shines HereFranz Lehár, English Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hadley, Lynton Atkinson, Nancy Gustafson, Naomi Itami, Richard Bonynge
Vinylscout