Peter Gast [Johann Heinrich Köselitz] – Der Löwe von Venedig

[Wheesht]

In its latest newsletter, Premiere Opera Italy lists the ten bestselling albums for June 2024. Number 2 is the 2013 revival of "Der Löwe von Venedig" by Peter Gast (real name Johann Heinrich Köselitz), close friend of Nietzsche's – who has not been mentioned here before, it would appear.

Here's the text from the newsletter:

Der Löwe von Venedig by Gast, Annaberg 2013

The revival of "Der Löwe von Venedig" at the Eduard-von-Winterstein-Theater in Annaberg-Buchholz was a triumphant celebration of Peter Gast's comedic opera. Originally from the same town as the famous mathematician Adam Ries, Gast (born Johann Köselitz) was a close friend and student of Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche's admiration for Gast led him to praise the composer as a "new Mozart," and this revival marked a significant milestone, honoring the 120th anniversary of the theater.

Historically, "Der Löwe von Venedig" is a transformed version of Gast's earlier opera "Die heimliche Ehe," adapted from Giovanni Bertati's libretto. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, the story revolves around Geronimo, a wealthy merchant, who plans to marry his elder daughter, Elisetta, to a penniless count. However, the count prefers the younger daughter, Carolina, who is secretly married to Paolino, the bookkeeper. Amidst these entanglements, the older aunt, Fidalma, also harbors affection for Paolino, leading to a series of humorous and dramatic twists before the story resolves happily.

Tamara Korber's lively direction brought out the spirited essence of the opera, with the cast delivering an engaging performance that resonated well with the audience. The stage design by Robert Schrag, featuring three large windows offering a scenic view of Venice, and the vibrant costumes, complemented the comedic tone perfectly.

László Varga's portrayal of Geronimo was both humorous and endearing, his bass voice and occasional Hungarian accent adding charm. Jason-Nandor Tomory, as the count, captivated with his baritone, skillfully depicting his character's comic despair over the "wrong" bride. The young soprano Madelaine Vogt shone as Carolina, her voice radiant in every high note, while Frank Unger's portrayal of Paolino was filled with joyous energy. Therese Fauser brought humor and eccentricity to the role of Fidalma, and Bettina Grothkopf, as Elisetta, infused her character with humor and jealousy, culminating in a memorable and comical duel with umbrellas.

The chorus, more involved in acting than singing, added vitality to the bustling household setting, under the preparation of Uwe Hanke. The Erzgebirgische Philharmonie Aue, conducted by Naoshi Takahashi, delivered Gast's delightful score with verve and precision, living up to Nietzsche's description of the music as "spring-like."

While Nietzsche's characterization of Gast as a "new Mozart" may have been an exaggeration, the production certainly showcased the composer's talent and provided an entertaining and fresh perspective on this rediscovered work. The enthusiastic audience, celebrating in a festive mood, responded with generous applause and cheers, culminating in a well-deserved ovation for the entire cast and creative team.

"Der Löwe von Venedig" proved to be not only a historical gem but also a vibrant and engaging opera that resonated with contemporary audiences, reaffirming its cultural significance and enduring charm.

[Alan Howe]

I'm assuming that this is one of their many non-commercial recordings as there's no sign of a release elsewhere. I can't actually find it on their website.

[Wheesht]

Your assumption is correct. They changed how their website works maybe two years ago, now one only gets to see certain releases after logging in:

To access our exclusive CD collection, please ensure you're logged in to our website. Only registered members can view and purchase these highly esteemed recordings.

[Alan Howe]

I see - thanks. I used to order a lot of recordings from them but haven't done so for some years.