Of Haydn’s numerous operas, only “ L'isola  disabitata ” (The Deserted Island) has a librett  by Pietro  Metastasio . The plot recedes into the background in favour of the fine psychological  interpretation of the feelings of the four protagonists. There are no more  secco  recitatives; instead the arias and ensembles and the commenting scenes with their emotionally-laden orchestral accompaniment are merged together in greater unities. The gloomy tone colours of the overture and the experimental form show the short, 90-minute chamber  opera – called  an “operetta” by Haydn himself – in a striking distance from Italian Baroque opera, perceptible even now.<br>
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The  new vocal score is based on Vol. XXV/9 of the Haydn Edition.<br>