Antonio Salieri's works for the stage were long considered the epitome of the art of musical drama. Many of his operas were idolized and considered to be among the best music ever made. Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, however, they gradually passed into oblivion. Instead of their resounding titles, a slanderous story became the constant companion of the erstwhile honored name of Salieri. After his last acquaintances had died, there were no more contemporary witnesses who would have been able to defend his reputation. In truth, virtually nothing that was later reported about Salieri appeared to match the well documented facts - a disservice further compounded by the portrayal the composer received in Miloš Forman's box-office smash, Amadeus. Several years ago, musicologist Timo Jouko Herrmann met conductor Thomas Fey and both men shared a deep enthusiasm for Salieri. This CD marks the high point of their in-depth work with Salieri's music. It is to the great credit of hänssler CLASSIC to have so unreservedly supported this project and enabled this CD to be produced. May the name of Salieri regain a bit of the well-deserved, dignified luster it once had.