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No one did more to combine in his operas the innovations of the Viennese classical composers, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, with the Italian ideal of bel canto than Johann Simon Mayr, the Bavarian composer who rose to fame in Italy. His opera Saffo, first performed in 1794, dates from his years in Venice. Not only was it his first opera but it was premiered at the Teatro La Fenice where it was enthusiastically received. It is full of surprising and striking elements, with a strong musical realisation of the text, supportive string and woodwind writing and vivid solo and choral effects. Set by the Rock of Leucas, from which unsuccessful lovers leap to their deaths, the opera deals with poetess Sappho's unhappy love for Phaon, finally resolved in a happy ending. Album Tracks 1. Sinfonia 2. Act I Coro E Recitativo Ecco la Pizia 3. Act I Recitativo Venerato Ministro, in Me Tu Vedi 4. Act I Aria Queste Esanimi E Candide Belve 5. Act I Recitativo Alceo Di Mitilene S'offre Agli Sguardi 6. Act I Aria Lasciai Del Campo Gli Orridi Bellici 7. Act I Recitativo Venga Di Lesbo la Teoria 8. Act I Entrata Di Saffo 9. Act I Recitativo Alfine Premere M'e Concesso 10. Act I Recitativo Ah Dicesti Abbastanza 11. Act I Aria L'onda Del Mar, Che Al Vento 12. Act I Recitativo Andiam, Offriamo, Amici 13. Act I Aria Dentro Lo Speco Incognito 14. Act I Recitativo Non T'inoltrar, Il Passo Arresta 15. Act I Recitativo Ebben T'appaghero 16. Act I Recitativo Ah, S'egli Fosse Giunto 17. Act I Aria Torni la Pace Al Cor 18. Act I Recitativo O Mie Compagne Udiste 19. Act I Coro Di Cacciatori Serena Il Tuo Pensier 20. Act I Recitativo Amici, Al Vostro Affetto Grato Io Son 21. Act I Recitativo Ah Si Per Lei L'eliso Istesso 22. Act I Aria Sfidar in Sol Per Lei 23. Act I Recitativo Ecco L'oracol Mio 24. Act I Rec