Offenbach: Le Royaume de Neptune, Musique symphonique et ballets d’Orphée aux Enfers

On his recently released Offenbach CD featuring some of this composer’s unknown overtures, 'Howard Griffiths is able to generate sparkling moments, dramatic buildups of suspense, highly expressive lyrical designs, and frequently suddenly occurring shifts of mood with absolutely outstanding success' (klassik-heute.com). And the latest Offenbach interpretation by Griffiths also does perfect justice to this composer’s highly effectively instrumented and melodically very appealing music while transmitting infectious zest for life. Orphée aux Enfers was Offenbach’s first international success and perhaps his most performed opera throughout the world – a landmark establishing a new genre known as the »Offenbachiade« and standing for societal satire in the form of music theater. The present CD offers the essence of the orchestral numbers and ballet inserts composed for the version of Orpheus in the Underworld from 1874. The rediscovery of the magnificent ballet L’Atlantide or Le Royaume de Neptune (The Realm of Neptune) and its recording premiere on this CD qualify as nothing short of sensational.