Music and Vinyl: Evstigney Fomin - Suite from the Opera "Orpheus"

Evstigney Ipatovich Fomin (1761-1800) was a Russian composer of successful Italianate operas who is largely forgotten today.

Born in St. Petersburg, he studied architecture there and also began learning the harpsichord and music theory before studying in Bologna. By 1785 he was back in St.Petersburg teaching at the theatrical school and composing the operas that would make his name. Orpheus and Eurydice premiered in January 1792 and was his big hit, even being re-staged in the Soviet era.

Here is a Russian Soviet era recording (from around 1980) of a short suite from the opera.