Joachim Raff - Dame Kobold (Dario Salvi)

Information

Composer: Joachim Raff

• Dame Kobold, Op. 154

Matthias Lika

Lara Rieken

Julia Surushkina

Gustav Wenzel Most

Lukas Krimmel

Choir of the Theatre of the City of Ústí nad Labem

West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra (Mariánské Lázně)

Dario Salvi, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

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Joachim Raff, once associated with figures such as Franz Liszt and Robert Schumann, became a prominent German composer in his own right. Among his six stage works, Dame Kobold (“The Phantom Lady”) marks the beginning of his comic operatic output and signals a stylistic shift away from Wagnerian seriousness toward a lighter, more Rossinian spirit. The opera is distinguished by its graceful melodic writing, agile pacing, and close integration of text and music. With its charming solos and elegant musical flow, it reflects Raff’s ability to combine theatrical wit with refined compositional craft, anticipating later developments in German comic opera.

Dario Salvi (b. 1975) is an acclaimed conductor known for his eclectic repertoire and dedication to reviving forgotten masterpieces. Recognized with honors such as the 2023 Riccardo Drigo Music for Ballet prize and a 2022 ICMA nomination, he is celebrated for world premiere recordings like Johann Strauss II’s Waldmeister. Salvi has led numerous international orchestras and opera companies, including the Malta Philharmonic and Sofia Philharmonic, conducting works across ballet, opera, operetta, and symphonic music. His world premieres include Edith Cavell, Griseldis, The Desert Song, and Blindekuh. His recordings are widely available on the Naxos label.