The majority of the later works of Robert Schumann, several of which were written for soloists, chorus and orchestra, have been greatly neglected over the years and rarely performed. The secular oratorio, "Paradise and the Peri", opus 50, fits into this category, although it was a resounding success in it's time. This may to some extent be attributed to the heavy pathos in the plot and libretto, which has not endeared it to the more sophisticated audiences of more recent generations. The story of the fallen angel "Peri", originates in Persian mythology which was a particular enthusiasm for people at this time. It tells of the angel's attempts to fulfil three different tasks in order to gain redemption and return to heaven.

The conductor Carlo Maria Giulini, who died in 2005 is recognised as one of the great maestros of the 20th century. He made his name as the first principal conductor of the Milan Radio Orchestra, which was co-founded by him in 1950, and the performance of unknown operas by Scarlatti, Malipiero and Handel. He reached fame as the principal conductor of La Scala from 1953 with the great Italian opera repertoire, however at the end of the 60s he dedicated himself to the concert repertory, particularly the romantic symphonies of Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, and Bruckner. He was also famed for his performances and recordings of the sacred music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Verdi and Faure, This extremely important "Archive" release of a stunning performance from 1974 of this rare Schumann masterpiece also features one of the leading sopranos of the period, Margaret Price.

Personnel:
Orchestra Sinfonica RAI di Roma, Coro di Roma della RAI Carlo Maria Giulini - (conductor)

Soloists:
The Peri: Margaret Price - (soprano), The Maiden: Oliviera Miljakovic - (soprano), The Angel: Anne Howells - (alto), Marjorie Wright - (mezzo-soprano), Werner Hollweg - (tenor), The Youth: Carlo Gaifa - (tenor), Wolfgang Brendel - (baritone), Robert Amis el Hage - (bass), Gazn Robert Amis el Hage - (bass), The Man: Wolfgang Brendel - (baritone)