Fidelio

[Joy]

We were talking about Beethoven's Overtures in another thread and I was wondering which Fidelio Overture everyone liked the best. There were four. The first of these, later published as Opus 138; the second overture, (Leonore Overture#2), which was used at the three performances in 1805; A third overture, (Leonore Overture#3), devised for a revival of the opera in revised form in 1806; and a fourth, known as the 'Fidelio Overture' written for a later revival in a further revision in 1814. Any comments?

Joy

[Michael]

My favourite of the four would have to be the "Leonora No. 1" which nobody seems to have any time for. I love Beethoven's use of "stereo" as the theme pans across the orchestra, and Florestan's aria is used very effectively.

Michael

[Chris]

I think I like the "Fidelio" best. They are all great, certainly, but...I still remember the first time I heard the Fidelio Overture. It absolutely floored me. Sometimes pieces just hit you like that for seemingly no particular reason.

[TJJ]

I enjoy Leonore No.1. Overall,the Leonore's don't rank as highly as his other overtures. But that's just me.

[Sorrano]

The one called "Fidelio" is closest to my heart. And like others here, I find the 1st Leonara is very nice, too.