Auber: Overtures Vol. 9 [CD], Janacek Philharmonic Ostrava, CD

Daniel-Francois-Esprit Auber was one of the most successful opera composers of the 19th century. His overtures were favourites of the light Classical repertoire with gracious melodies and dance rhythms that were hugely influential on the genre of Romantic comic opera, especially in Germany. The unexpected complexities of Le Domino noir result in Auber's most subtle and refined overture, while the often vivacious and joyful music in Gustave III, ou Le Bal masque corresponds to the expectations of the grand-opera tradition. All of these contrast with a closing Marche funebre composed to accompany the interment of Napoleon's ashes in the church of Les Invalides.