Leonore, Op. 72 (1805 version)

Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van

Librettist/Text Author: Sonnleithner, Joseph

Conductor: Brown, Ryan

Orchestra: Opera Lafayette Orchestra

Chorus: Opera Lafayette Chorus

Don Fernando: Sylvestre, Alexandre

Florestan: Richer, Jean-Michel

Jaquino: Geddes, Keven

Leonore / Fidelio: Paulin, Nathalie

Marzelline: Beaudin, Pascale

Pizarro: Scollin, Matthew

Rocco: Hegedus, Stephen

Set Designer: Mongeau, Laurence

Costume Designer: Mongeau, Laurence

Lighting Designer: Siler, Rob

Stage Director: Tomas, Oriol

Television Director: Starr, Jason

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Date of Production: 03-2020

Venue: Opera Lafayette, Washington

Playing Time: 02:28:00

Catalogue Number: 2.110674

UPC: 747313567454

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Beethoven started composing Leonore in January 1803. The subject - the release to freedom of an unjustly imprisoned man by his devoted wife - was part of the genre of 'rescue operas' which were very popular at the end of the 18th century. The premiere of Leonore, given before an uncomprehending audience at a time of political upheaval, was a failure and Beethoven responded by shortening the work from three acts to two, which was the version performed in 1806. After further revisions it was to emerge in 1814 as Fidelio. This performance is from Opera Lafayette's Leonore Project which included a performance of Pierre Gaveaux's Leonore, ou L'Amour conjugal - the opera on which Beethoven modelled his Leonore.