AT THE OPERA
In exotic places, Part 1
Prepared by Elaine Siversen
With Jules Laurent
Mozart, W. The abduction from the Seraglio, K384. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Gottlieb Stephanie, after Christoph Bretzner's Belmont und Constanze oder die Entführung aus dem Serail. First performed Vienna, 1782.
Mozart, W. The abduction from the Seraglio, Overture & Act I
[38:14]
Mozart, W. The abduction from the Seraglio, Act II
[52:57]
Mozart, W. The abduction from the Seraglio, Act III
[31:43]
KONSTANZE: Cheryl Studer, sop
BLONDE: Elzbieta Szmytka, sop
SELIM: Michael Heltau, voice
BELMONTE: Kurt Streit, ten
PEDRILLO: Robert Gambill, ten
OSMIN: Gunther Missenhardt, bass
Vienna State Opera Ch & O/Bruno Weil.Total Time: 02:03:19
Sony S2K 48053
Konstanze and her maid, Blonde, are captives in Pasha Selim's harem in Turkey. Selim wants Konstanze for himself, but she remains faithful to Belmonte who hopes to rescue her. Belmonte and his servant, Pedrillo, gain employment as an architect and a gardener in Selim's service. Pedrillo, who loves Blonde, is jealous and scents danger. After making Selim’s overseer, Osmin, drunk, Belmonte and Pedrillo rescue the women using rope ladders. The alarm is raised and all four are captured and brought before the Pasha. They are expecting the worst but Selim is feeling magnanimous and, having given up all hope of ever winning Konstanze's love, he relinquishes her to his rival who is found to be the son of his most hated enemy. A very dejected Osmin has to watch his adored Blonde depart with the gardener. The four lovers leave the Seraglio behind and turn their happy faces homeward..
Rossini, G. Bel raggio lusinghier; Dolce pensiero; La forza primiera, from Semiramide (1823). Cheryl Studer, sop; Samuel Ramey, bass; London SO/Ion Marin.
DG 437 813-2 [10:00]
22:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by Paul Cooke
With Nena Beretin
Holst, G. Oriental suite, Beni Mora (1909-10). Royal Scottish NO/David Lloyd-Jones.
Naxos 8.553696 [17:20]
Ravel, M. Sonata (1927). Patricia Kopatchinskaja, vn; Fazil Say, pf.
naïve V5146 [18:17]
Bax, A. The garden of Fand (1913-16). Ulster O/Bryden Thomson.
Chandos CHAN 8307 [18:44]
Sibelius, J. String quartet no 4 in D minor, op 56, Intimate voices (1909). Flinders Quartet.
ABC 481 1982 [29:39]

At the Opera 18 February 2026
3:59:59

At the Opera 11 February 2026
3:59:59

At the Opera 4 February 2026
3:59:59