Laci Boldemann: Svart ar vitt - sa Kejsaren

By Conny Soderstrom

Item Number: NX.CDO1111

Black is White, said the Emperor was performed successfully at the Swedish Royal Opera in the mid nineteen sixties. It is a complete opera for children and families, which came to stay on the repertoire for three whole years. The libretto is the biggest piece of writing for the stage by the Swedish author and renowned poet Lennart Hellsing. It is a fairy tale opera for both children and adults and as such an add phenomenon on the Swedish opera stage, as well as internationally. Along with Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, which is also intended for an entire opera evening, Black is White, said the Emperor is one of very few existicing real family operas. It consists of two acts with intermission and was composed for an orchestra of 27 musicians, a choir, a ballet corps and ten soloists. In other words it is a real opera without the economical compromises that so often follow suit when a musical performance is intended for younger listeners. The present recording of Black is White, said the Emperor is the only complete recording known to exist. It was made at the Royal Opera House at the very first performance on January 1, 1965.