How many people guessed that Schubert's opera would be the next to be blogged after Fidelio and before...well, you guess,but you have to understand my particular method of alphabetising operas. A hint, the next one alphabetically exists in so many different forms in Gert Cottage it may be some time before the blogpost appears. But it used to be my very favourite opera, despite the absence of any tenors in the top five - at least - roles.
I just have an audio recording of this, and everything I know about it is from Wikipedia. Schubert doesn't merit an entry in my pocket Kobbé*. It has no entries in Operabase, so I can assume it is extremely rare indeed. There is an online libretto but life is too short for me to try reading it in German
The recording I have is a download of the Wunderlich broadcast; I downloaded it predominantly for Wunderlich, coupled with curiosity about a composer I like but do not consider to be an operatic composer. The synopsis does not exactly inspire me but I don't now how the dramaturgy plays out.
Musically it is pleasant. If there was a performance in central London, especially with 'name' singers, I would consider going. That having been said, I won't be lobbying any of the companies to put on a production. Perhaps there will be some concert performances in bicentenary year of 2028, but I don't think the music is compelling enough to merit a major revival. It's not like there is shortage of Grand Romantic 19th century works in the repertoire, and revivals should be focused more on the Baroque masterpieces than a justifiably neglected minor work by an otherwise Great Composer. To be honest, I think the reason that it has been given any attention at all is because it's by Schubert rather than any intrinsic greatness.
As I said, the music's nice, but nothing special. I suppose it's important for Schubert completists, or Wunderlich completists, but otherwise, there are probably hundreds of operas more worthy of my time. But I suppose if I were to see it live in a good production with decent singers I might change my mind.
* Kobbé as well as being known for his seminal opera reference book also qualifies for the 'freakish death' list - a seaplane, coming down for a landing, struck his boat and killed him instantly
