Daniel-François-Esprit Auber represents the essence of Romantic opéra-comique with vivacious and elegant works that enjoyed huge popularity for decades. He collaborated with a fellow luminary, Ferdinand Hérold, for Vendôme en Espagne, a work rich in Spanish dances and colour. With a vivid display of Auber’s gift for melody and orchestration, the overture to La Fiancée proved so successful and popular that Liszt arranged it as a fantasia three times. L’Enfant prodigue contains his longest overture, a powerful statement reflecting the tragic aspects of this Biblical parable.

Conductor Dario Salvi is collaborating with Naxos on recording a series on Romantic ballets, including works by Minkus, Pugni, Adam, and others.

Vol.5 in this series is on 8574335: ‘This is the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra’s first appearance in this series… They play the music well… As for Scottish-Italian conductor Dario Salvi, this is a labour of love for him, and I have nothing but admiration for his persistence and scholarship’ (Fanfare).

Vol.7 is on 8574597: ‘All his [Dario Salvi] albums maintain a high standard of performance. And all benefit from innovative programming. The Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava is in fine form here. Under Salvi’s direction, they play with a light-hearted elegance fitting the fairy operas. And they can also deliver some dramatic thundering when necessary. Another fine addition to this edition’ (WTJU).

Dario Salvi is a busy and respected conductor with a versatile and eclectic repertoire, which has been recognised through numerous awards and nominations, including the 2023 ‘Riccardo Drigo’ Music for Ballet prize and a 2022 International Classical Music Awards nomination for the world premiere recording of Johann Strauss II’s Waldmeister (Naxos 866048990). His passion for the rediscovery and performance of long-forgotten masterpieces and the curation of world premieres has put Salvi in the spotlight around the world.