HAKON BØRRESEN
The Royal Guest
Stig Fogh Andersen, tenor
Edith Guillaume, mezzo soprano
Tina Kiberg, soprano
Lise-Lotte Nielsen, soprano
Guido Paevatalu, barytone

Hakon Børresen, composer

Odense Symphony Orchestra
Tamás Vetö, conductor

About
Hakon Børresen was one of the last Danish romantics, and the one-act opera The Royal Guest from 1919 was the great success of his lifetime. To this day, the opera remains one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in the entire history of the Royal Danish Opera with 134 stage performances to date as well as a number of concert performances, not least of the charming ouverture.

The Royal Guest is subtitled "Hymn to Eros" because the royal guest – Prince Carnival – praises Pan, Eros and Joy in an attempt to awake some ardor in the respectable Dr. Høyer and his wife Emmy. The opera unfolds as a little fable about how art and love can transform people and change their lives. But the restlessness and the strong emotions that the mysterious Royal Guest brings into the home of his host and hostess are a two-edged sword…

This world premiere recording features internationally renowned singers Tina Kiberg and Stig Ffogh Andersen from the Royal Danish Opera as well as the Odense Symphony Orchestra conducted by Támas Vetö, who received impressive reviews for Dacapo’s 2004 release of the opera Belisa (8.226013).

Reviews
The singers are impressive, involved, and characterful … A fine recording.
(Classics Today)

Das Orchester aus Odense setzt sich unter Tamás Vetö mit Liebe und Sorgfalt für das einst so erfolgreiche Werkchen ein.
(Klassik Heute)

Eine hervorragende Neueinspielung ... Tina Kiberg und Stig Fogh Andersen singen überwältigend
(Das Opernglas)

Ergötzliche Rollenbesetzung, ein köstlich musizierendes Orchester - Dänemarks Provinz auf Weltniveau. Gratulation!
(Fono Forum)

...excellent sound, generous CD length and a fine essay on composer and opera.
(Fanfare)

Fans of late romantic opera - and even of operetta - wanting a day out in an unfamiliar place must hear this. Recommended strongly. A success in every way!
(Musicweb International)

Credits
Recorded at Odense Concert Hall on 10-13 and 16-17 June 2003
Recording producer: Henrik Sleiborg
Sound engineer: Knud Esmarch
Editing and mastering: Knud Esmarch and Henrik Sleiborg
Graphic design: Elevator