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Your guide to classical music online
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Your guide to classical music online
This version of Simon Boccanegra–the original, from 1857–is looked down upon by true Verdians; the composer’s 1881 additions and alterations really turn the opera into
Serious that is, as opposed to “comic”. Hardly as rare as this may have been a generation ago (when Rossini still equalled Barber, Italiana, and,
Thirty years ago, Mercadante’s name was found only in history books. The past 20 years has seen increased interest, and now there are more than
This is a two-CD, two-hour-and-30-minute fiesta of excerpts from Opera Rara’s catalog, in celebration of its 25th year. If every label were as interested in
There are moments in this opera that (unlike most operas of the period) clearly show how the bel canto is not simply pretty singing. Donizetti
Somehow I’m certain that if Opera Rara had deemed all of Mercadante’s 1831 opera Zaira to as be worthy as these highlights, the Peter Moores
This is a knockout, despite flaws in both the opera itself and the live performance. Premiered in 1801 with the great castrato Luigi Marchesi as
This was the first opera Rossini composed for the Teatro San Carlo in Naples starring the remarkable Isabella Colbran. In fact, all four main roles–Elisabetta,
This is volume five in Opera Rara’s Il Salotto series, and while the first four were entertaining, enlightening, and a sheer delight, to this one
Much of the material on this well-packed CD has been culled from previously released Opera Rara recordings; the new selections are scenes from Donizetti’s Buondelmonte
