Perhaps because giving birth to it was so difficult, "Fidelio" was one of Beethoven's most beloved children. Before Beethoven wrought "Fidelio" -- which will be performed by the Baltimore Opera Company starting Saturday -- into the form in which we now know it, he struggled through two titles, three productions and four overtures. But his only opera is also one of the greatest ever written, and its theme, human liberty, is the one that was closest to Beethoven's heart.
"Fidelio's" cast includes sopranos Frances Ginzer and Jan Grissom, each of whom has made fine impressions in previous BOC productions, and it will be led by Alexander Sander, whose conducting in "Salome" a few seasons back was so memorable.
