Walter Anton Dotzer - Auber: Le maçon, S. 13 (Sung in German) (2019)

Daniel-François-Esprit Auber (1782-1871) was long considered one of the most typically French and most successful opera composers of the 19th century; his overtures were once favourites of the light classical repertoire. This opéra français, first performed on 3 May 1825, relates to the venerable tradition of the rescue opera, which had been in fashion since the French Revolution. Its libretto and score were equally successful. The opera represents a decisive development in Auber’s style, a turning away from imitation of Rossini in favour of Boieldieu’s simplicity, and thereby to a specifically French tradition. It was the first of Auber’s mature opéras-comiques that went on to be an international success, characterised by Italianate sparkle with French grace and lyricism. The work remained in the repertoire from 1825 to 1896 and received 525 performances. By the 1850s it had been translated into German, Danish, Swedish, Polish, Czech and Hungarian. On German stages the opera remained one of Auber’s most popular works, and it was performed as late as 1950 in Vienna.

Sung in German (as Maurer und Schlosser)
Mono recording: 14 December 1950, ORF Studio, Vienna