Franz von Suppé: Boccaccio

The waltz and the Viennese Singspiel tradition are just as present in Franz von Suppé's operettas as French and Italian influences: his Boccaccio of 1879 carries the audience off to 14th century Florence. The turbulent comedy about poet Giovanni Boccaccio’s love life, well-known as something of a roué, offers plenty of space for situation comedy and at the same time the opportunity to show up the era’s prevailing double standards. This 1974 recording delights with a vocal line-up that features big names even in the minor roles. And Boskovksy's conducting is "full of verve and good spirits" (Gramophone).