Johann Simon Mayr was among the most successful composers prior to Rossini, and while he was long remembered as Donizetti’s teacher his excellent music is now gaining the recognition it deserves. L’accademia di musica is a single-act farsa or comedy, its narrative a variation on the familiar situation of an elderly rich man trying to seduce and marry his young maid and the complications and intrigues that ensue, including ‘play within a play’ and a concert held as part of the opera. With its vaudeville finale and metaphorical touches, this opera simultaneously recalls 18th-century traditions and anticipates Rossini. This latest release from our ongoing and always popular recordings from Rossini in Wildbad sees a welcome return of the stylish Passionart Orchestra at this bel canto festival, with singers and instrumentalists brought together by the experienced baton of Nicola Pascoli to create a production of a virtually unknown opera that generated much acclaim.