Kraus: Aeneas in Carthage (Overture, Ballet Music and Marches)

Joseph Martin Kraus was an innovative 18th Century composer, acclaimed by Haydn as one of the only two geniuses he knew (Mozart was the other). Small wonder that intense interest has been ignited by his forward-looking music, especially theatrical works such as the ballet music for Aeneas in Carthage, a retelling of the famous story of Dido and Aeneas. Originally intended for the inauguration of the new opera house in Stockholm, the première was delayed for ten years until 1791 allowing Kraus to refine his titanic score into a true magnum opus.