ARIAS FOR JOSEFINA DUŠEK
Mozart wrote two of his greatest concert arias for the celebrated Czech soprano Josefina Dušek (1754-1824), and Beethoven subsequently wrote the magnificent “Ah! perfido”, his only published concert aria, for her. In this programme these three superb scenas, each a miniature opera in its own right, are framed by two vibrant C major symphonies, the first one of the finest works by Dušek’s husband and the second Beethoven’s auspicious and radiant first essay in the genre.
| Sample Programme | |
| F. X. Dušek | Symphony in C major (C1) |
| Mozart | “Ah, lo previdi… Ah, t’invola agl’occhi miei”, K. 272 |
| Mozart | Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527 |
| Mozart | “Bella mia fiamma… Resta, o cara”, K. 528 |
| Interval | |
| Beethoven | “Ah! perfido”, Op. 65 |
| Beethoven | Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21 |
Forces: 1 soloist (soprano), 2.2.2.2. – 2.2.0.0. timpani, strings, harpsichord
Perfido!
Released on Signum Classics in 2017
“She is, of course, hugely experienced in music of this period and brings a characteristically vivid intensity to each piece, tempered by an endearing touch of breathiness in the voice. The Mozartists are a brand-new spin-off from Ian Page’s Classical Opera company and accompany with sensitivity and a welcome graininess to the string tone.”
GRAMOPHONE
“Bevan [is] in imperious form yet alive to text and colour throughout…With delightfully pointed playing from Page’s recently-formed ensemble, and with fine sound an presentation, this is a treasure.”
CLASSICAL MUSIC
