SPYRIDON SAMARAS (1861-1917): Mademoiselle de Belle-Isle.

Description: Remembered today for the Olympic Anthem, Samaras was the most distinguished Greek composer of his day and the first to gain international recognition. By the time Mademoiselle de Belle-Isle was produced in 1903, Samaras was a well-established and much-admired opera composer in the Italian Romantic style. The narrative of the opera sees the mischievous plans of the Duke of Richelieu descending into a complex tangle of amorous deceptions, tests of faithfulness and the perils of dueling. The score for this world premiere recording has been painstakingly restored by Byron Fidetzis (some while ago since this studio recording was made in June 1995). 2 CDs. Detailed English synopsis. French libretto available online. Martha Arapis (soprano), Andelos Simos (tenor), Tassis Christoyannis (baritone), Kaval Choir of Sofia, Pazardzhik Symphony Orchestra; Byron Fidetzis.