Haydn: Opera Overtures

Although Haydns operas are rarely performed today, many of them were incredibly popular during the composers lifetime. They were frequently performed far beyond the reach of the affluent Esterhaza court, for which they were penned. The subject matter ranges from dark, supernatural productions, to light-hearted escapades. In one such story, a character is fooled into thinking he is on the moon. The overtures featured here display Haydns talent and flair, condensing the emotions of the operas as a whole.