Medieval England exerted a strong influence on Johann Simon Mayr, especially during his final proto-Romantic period. Alfredo il Grande was to be one of his last operas, with a narrative that takes us to a land under threat of war with the Vikings. Escaping capture, Alfred the Great travels incognito, ultimately defeating the enemy and rescuing his beloved Alsvita. With its grandiose choruses and sensuous melodies, this opera was conceived on a monumental scale and proved both impressive at its premiere and influential on the next generation of bel canto composers, making a substantial contribution to the development of the melodramma romantico.

Franz Hauk is the world’s leading expert and exponent of the music of Johann Simon Mayr, and his numerous new editions and recordings of operatic and other vocal works by this composer is internationally recognised as highly significant. He studied church and school music, with piano and organ, at the Munich Musikhochschule and in Salzburg. Since October 2002 he has taught in the historical performance and church music department of the Hochschule für Musik und Theater, München. He founded the Simon Mayr Chorus in 2003.

Franz Hauk’s tireless restoration of the works of Johann Simon Mayr means he now has more than 25 Naxos recordings to his credit. Alfredo il Grande adds yet another substantial and significant world premiere to this already distinguished catalogue.

This recording of Alfredo il Grande is not only a world premiere, but uses the authentic period sound of Concerto de Bassus that helped make Saffo (866036768) and Telemaco (866038889) such great successes, and in the latter of which ‘Franz Hauk directs his trim period band with style and affection’ (Gramophone).

Le due duchesse is on 8660422 and was an Opera News Critic’s Choice: ‘Hauk himself does sterling work, shaping it all with flair and care and making clear the work’s genuine dramatic potential.’ Of Elena (866046263), Limelight wrote: ‘As with their previous Mayr recordings, the Simon Mayr Chorus and Concerto de Bassus under Franz Hauk are superb throughout.’

The strong and trusted ensemble of soloists for this production include mezzo-soprano Marie-Luise Dressen in the title role, who is much in demand for opera productions in Germany and throughout Europe. Soprano Sophia Körber (Alsvitta) is a prizewinner of the Federal Singing Competition, Berlin and the International Competition ‘Giovani Musicisti – Città di Treviso’.

Cast:
- Alfredo / Elfrido: Marie-Luise Dressen (mezzo-soprano)
- Gutrumo: Markus Schäfer (tenor)
- Etelberto: Daniel Ochoa (bass)
- Alinda: Anna Feith (soprano)
- Alsvita: Sophia Körber (soprano)
- Amundo: Philipp Polhardt (tenor)