Giuseppe was composed by Mayr in 1829 for graduation concerts at the academy of music in Bergamo over which he presided. His inspiration was a Biblical opera that had won great popularity, Mehul's Joseph, which had premiered in Paris in 1807, featuring prayers, hymns and unassuming arias. Mayr, however, drew on a much wider musical canvas to include grand arias, duets, a cavatina and a final chorus. He also repeatedly references popular melodies by his contemporaries Donizetti, Rossini and Bellini as befits a pasticcio oratorio.

UPC > 747313471072

Format > New CD

Label > Naxos

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