These days great novels are transformed into movie productions. Back in the 19th century they ended up on concert stages, either as operas or musical plays. Such is the case for this world premiere recording of a stage play based on Jules Verne's adventure novel Die Reise um die Erde in 80 Tagen (Around the World in 80 Days) by Franz von Suppé (1819-1895). Suppé is best known for his superb overtures which include Poet and Peasant, Light Cavalry, and Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna. For a while there I thought that somewhat like Albert Ketèlbey, this composer had fallen out of public consciousness so it's a nice surprise to see this Naxos production of a previously unknown work.

It goes without saying that being a musical play, the original 1874 version included stage actors and narration. This recording presents the version without narration. And that's perfectly fine because with over 19 Tableaux with evocative titles like On the Suez Canal, At the Funeral Pyre, The Serpent Charmers' Festival, A Train Attacked on the Pacific Railway, etc ... and Franz von Suppé's highly descriptive music, you don't miss a second of the action.

If you've always enjoyed listening to Suppé's famous Overtures, this recording of previously unheard gems belongs in your collection.