Heinrich August Marschner was a master of German Romantic music, and this third volume in the series presents excerpts from some of his later operas. These include Das Schloss am Aetna with its dark Faustian themes, and Lukretia in which the composer generates an air of Classical antiquity. Both Sangeskönig Hiarne and Der Bäbu showcase Marschner’s talent with descriptive ballet music, allowing us to discover a completely new side to his musical craft.

Vol.1 (Naxos 8574449) launched this edition in December 2022 with the American Record Guide admiring the way ‘the Czech Chamber Philharmonic plays its heart out. Dario Salvi seems to be making the rounds with music of this type, and he does a good job here. The sound is good too’.

Vol.2 (Naxos 8574482) followed in October 2023 and was welcomed by The Light Music Society: ‘Throughout this release the music is given committed performances by a wonderfully full-sounding orchestra and the solo sections (for cello, horns and violin) in the final track of the [disc] are all superbly executed. The orchestra and conductor are to be congratulated, as always, for bringing this music to the fore after a period of such neglect’.

With numerous Naxos recordings to its name, the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava is one of the leading symphonic orchestras of the Czech Republic, and with its distinctive sound and progressive repertoire it is held in the highest esteem by audiences and critics alike.

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.