Oratorium | La Regina Saba | J. J. Fux

The oratorio La Regina Saba by Johann Joseph Fux (c. 1660–1741) remained a mystery for centuries: the music had been lost, and its existence was confirmed only by the printed libretto — until a complete manuscript of the score surfaced a few years ago. To this day, La Regina Saba remains Fux’s oldest completely preserved oratorio. It is also the only oratorio in Italian that features the biblical figure of the same name. The thematic innovation of Pier Maria Ruggieri — which nevertheless draws on Old Testament tradition — is reflected in Fux’s composition, which strives for a style distinct from that of opera, yet features a sophisticated use of concertante instruments, his trademark.

mdw baroque orchestra, conducted by Stefan GOTTFRIED

A collaboration with the Austrian Academy of Sciences.