Description

Beethoven's sole opera, Fidelio, stands as a remarkable and timeless work that embodies themes of loyalty, selfless love, and the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative follows the devoted Leonora, who risks everything to liberate her husband, Florestan, from wrongful imprisonment. While the storyline and structure of the libretto may not be particularly original, Beethoven, after a decade of relentless revisions, managed to elevate the material, imbuing it with profound nobility.

The composer himself remarked, "Of all my children, this is the one that cost me the most in terms of labor... and for that reason, it is the one I hold most dear." This sentiment has resonated with audiences and musicians alike, establishing Fidelio as one of the most frequently performed, studied, and recorded operas in history.

This edition from Dover faithfully reproduces the complete orchestral and vocal score, providing ample margin space for analytical notes. In a single, robust, and affordable volume, it showcases Beethoven's orchestral brilliance alongside the dramatic power of the human voice, featuring choruses, duets, emotionally charged arias, and a gripping finale.

Above all, the opera's idealistic themes—justice, freedom, heroism, and love—motivated Beethoven to transcend the limitations of the libretto, creating a musical framework that far exceeds its literary basis. Whether in a light-hearted aria like "Hat man auch nicht Geld beineben" or a magnificent four-part canon such as "Mir ist so wunderbar," the music elevates the text to a realm beyond its original intent.

Reproduced in full from the esteemed C. F. Peters edition, this edition of the beloved Fidelio is sure to enchant music aficionados, opera lovers, Beethoven admirers, educators, and students alike, particularly given its remarkably reasonable price.