FRANZ LÉHAR (1870-1948): Frasquita.

Description: The gypsy title character emotionally dominates and abuses the male lead who loses his fiancée but, improbably, ends up marrying Frasquita (instead of killing her). Yes, very Carmen-esque and set in Barcelona where the girl works in a factory (at least it's not a cigarette factory). The verismo aspects of the libretto had German and Austrian operetta purists furious and outraged; Léhar supplies much exotic-sounding Spanish-style music with the highlight perhaps the second act exotic-dancer routine by Frasquita to a sultry habanera. One might note also that it was with this work that Tauber began a string of triumphant roles for the composer. 2 CDs. No libretto; synopsis included. Laura Scherwitzl, Romana Noack (sopranos), Robert Maszl, Vincent Schirrmacher (tenors), Rupert Bergmann (bass-baritone), Lehár Festival Chorus, Franz Lehár Orchestra; Vinzenz Praxmarer.