Summary: Mozart’s “Ascanio in Alba” was commissioned by the Empress Maria Theresa. Her son, who would be Emperor Joseph II (who is featured in the movie “Amadeus”) would remember Mozart very well 10 years later when Wolfgang comes to Vienna. This opera was composed for Empress Maria’s wedding of her third son, Archduke Ferdinand and Princess Maria Beatrice of Modena. The wedding was held in Milan on October 15, 1771. A year earlier, Princess Maria attended a Mozart family concert and was very impressed with the talents of young Wolfgang. She related this experience to Empress Maria Theresa and a commission was born. The opera was completed in 3-1/2 weeks when Mozart was 15 years old. While this opera is never performed today, in Mozart’s time, the opera was a tremendous success and garnered young Wolfgang even more fame in Europe, if indeed, that could be possible. Regardless of the opera’s success, this opera set the proverbial wheels in motion for his later triumphant entry into Vienna, and of course, the opera garnered young Mozart even more jealously and hatred from other composers of his day. It is also noteworthy, that following the overture to this opera, Mozart’s very first ballet in any opera is performed. This opera is performed by the CMD German Opera Company of Berlin and it is available now in our online store at ClassicalRecordings.co http://www.classicalsavings.com/store/p355/Mozart%3A_Ascanio_in_Alba%2C_K._111.html
