La vera costanza (High Fidelity)
Although Haydn (1732-1809) is best remembered as a composer of symphonies, quartets and oratorios, opera formed a substantial part of his output and from 1776 to 1790 it dominated his life. Between 1761 and his death in 1809 he was to serve four successive Esterhazy princes and all but one of his operas was written for the family. Haydn was responsible for supervising and directing the music at the two theatres, operatic performances alternating with spoken plays given by visiting troupes of actors. The Esterhazy court did not have a resident poet which meant that the composer, unlike Galuppi, Gluck and Mozart, did not have the opportunity to develop a partnership with a librettist: many of Haydn’s libretti had already proved popular in settings by other composers. As expected in a composer whose reputation rested on instrumental music his arias are often richly orchestrated, the ensembles finely crafted and all have individuality of melody and, especially, harmony that makes for a wholly positive appreciation of the composer’s talents.
Press
melting moments that are the best of Haydn The Times, 19 July 2004
The subtle kinship linking Bampton Opera so warmly to its audience Oxford Times, 23 July 2004
superb in all departments Opera, September 2004
the real joy of the English summer opera season... Opera Now, November 2004
a cast of bold dramatic range and beguiling musical gifts Opera News
