BEETHOVEN: Fidelio
The complete opera plus bonus introduction CD
8.660901-03

This set combines an acclaimed complete recording of Beethoven's operatic tour de force Fidelio, starring Inga Nielsen and Gösta Winbergh, with a fascinating companion CD from the Opera Explained series on Naxos Educational. The Opera Explained CD introduces, in words and music, the plot and background of Fidelio using the principal themes and arias taken from the complete work. Whether listening to the opera for the first time or discovering more about the history and structure of this masterly work, this is an innovative and easy way to deepen an appreciation of Beethoven's genius.

Combining music of overwhelming power and majesty, Fidelio is Beethoven's only opera. The story of wrongful imprisonment reversed by true love took two years to compose. It was a failure when first received, and it was nine years later and two revisions before the composer arrived at the great work we know today. With its thrilling overture and the final chorus of the freed political prisoners, the opera is as relevant today as it was almost 200 years ago.