The Power and the Passion: Rossini’s Elisabetta regina d’Inghilterra (3-CD Set)

Product Details

• Product Name: Gioachino Rossini: Elisabetta regina d'Inghilterra (Elizabeth, Queen of England)
• Composer: Gioachino Rossini
• Label: Opera Rara
• Catalog Number: ORC22
• UPC: 792938002224
• Format: 3 x CD (Box Set)
• Genre: Classical, Opera, Bel Canto, Opera Seria
• Conductor: Giuliano Carella
• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Choir: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
• Release Year: 2002
• Total Duration: Complete Two-Act Opera

Overview

Witness the dramatic clash of duty and desire in Rossini’s Elisabetta regina d’Inghilterra, a seminal work of opera seria captured in this magnificent three-disc set by Opera Rara. Set against the political backdrop of Elizabethan England, the opera fictionalizes the Queen’s struggle between her duties as monarch and her personal affection for the military leader, Leicester.

American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore delivers a commanding performance in the title role of Queen Elisabetta, while Bel Canto tenor Bruce Ford stars as the conflicted Leicester, supported by Majella Cullagh as his secret wife, Matilde. Conducted by Giuliano Carella and featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this recording brings clarity and passion to a work that fundamentally changed the trajectory of Italian opera. This complete recording is indispensable for anyone studying the development of 19th-century operatic structure.

Italian Translation / Traduzione Italiana

Panoramica Assisti al drammatico scontro tra dovere e desiderio in Elisabetta regina d’Inghilterra di Rossini, un'opera seria fondamentale catturata in questo magnifico cofanetto di tre dischi di Opera Rara. Ambientata sullo sfondo politico dell'Inghilterra elisabettiana, l'opera romanza la lotta della regina tra i suoi doveri di monarca e il suo affetto personale per il comandante militare, Leicester.

Il mezzosoprano americano Jennifer Larmore offre una performance imponente nel ruolo del titolo della regina Elisabetta, mentre il tenore Bel Canto Bruce Ford interpreta il combattuto Leicester, affiancato da Majella Cullagh nel ruolo della moglie segreta, Matilde. Sotto la direzione di Giuliano Carella e con la London Philharmonic Orchestra, questa registrazione apporta chiarezza e passione a un'opera che ha cambiato la traiettoria dell'opera italiana.

Product Features

• Complete Opera Recording: Full two-act opera seria across 3 CDs, including musical recitatives and all dramatic ensembles.
• Pivotal Historical Work: Represents a turning point in Rossini's career, showcasing his transition to the Neapolitan style.
• Acclaimed Bel Canto Cast: Features leading specialists in the repertoire, including Larmore, Ford, and Cullagh.
• Premium Presentation: Includes an extensive accompanying booklet with the full libretto and scholarly background essays.

Interesting Facts

• The Recitative Revolution: Elisabetta (1815) was the first Italian opera to entirely substitute the traditional spoken dialogue (secco recitative) with orchestrated musical recitative. This major innovation created a seamless dramatic flow and deeply influenced composers like Verdi.
• Overture Borrowing: Rossini famously recycled the overture for this opera from his earlier work, Aureliano in Palmira. However, he recycled it again shortly after for his most famous comedy, Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville).
• The Queen’s Voice: The role of Elisabetta was specifically tailored for the dramatic capabilities of the great Spanish soprano Isabella Colbran, Rossini's mistress and later his wife. Jennifer Larmore's mezzo-soprano performance in this recording is a contemporary approach to this demanding role.
• Historical Fiction: While based on real figures (Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester), the plot is highly romanticized, featuring dramatic inventions such as Leicester’s secret marriage and the villainy of the Earl of Norfolk.

Italian Translation / Traduzione Italiana

Fatti Interessanti

• La Rivoluzione del Recitativo: Elisabetta (1815) fu la prima opera italiana a sostituire interamente il recitativo parlato tradizionale (secco) con il recitativo musicale orchestrato. Questa innovazione creò un flusso drammatico continuo e influenzò profondamente compositori come Verdi.
• Prestiti Musicali: Rossini riciclò famosamente l'ouverture per quest'opera dalla sua opera precedente, Aureliano in Palmira. Tuttavia, la riciclò di nuovo poco dopo per la sua commedia più famosa, Il Barbiere di Siviglia.
• Il Ruolo di Elisabetta: Il ruolo di Elisabetta fu specificamente adattato alle capacità drammatiche del grande soprano spagnolo Isabella Colbran, amante di Rossini e in seguito sua moglie. L'interpretazione del mezzosoprano Jennifer Larmore in questa registrazione rappresenta un approccio contemporaneo a questo ruolo esigente.

Cast and Roles

• Elisabetta, Queen of England – Jennifer Larmore (Mezzo-soprano)
• Leicester, general of the armies – Bruce Ford (Tenor)
• Matilde, his secret wife – Majella Cullagh (Soprano)
• Norfolk, grandee of the realm – Antonino Siragusa (Tenor)
• Enrico, brother of Matilde – Manuela Custer (Mezzo-soprano)
• Guglielmo, captain of the royal guards – Colin Lee (Tenor)

With the Geoffrey Mitchell Choir and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Publishers

Opera Rara / Peter Moores Foundation

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