The excerpts presented here are from operas composed between 1818 and 1828, when the very prolific Donizetti was under the influence both of his teacher, Mayr, and the overwhelmingly popular Rossini; at the same time, he was trying his hand at new, original modes of expression. All of these selections are either rhythmically catchy, melodically inviting or inventive, vocally challenging enough to whet and keep our interest, harmonically somewhat daring, or all of the above.
A trio from Le nozze in villa, which probably was performed in 1818 or ’19, offers alternating trio and duet passages, with the duo parts, for the tenor and mezzo-soprano lovers (the bass part is the father of the girl), written with the tenor carrying the tune and the mezzo harmonizing–a nice touch. Diana Montague, Paul Nilon, and bass Jonathan Viera shine. Della Jones gives us a stunning final scene from Alfredo il Grande; Bruce Ford, as usual, manages both heroics and great flexibility in an aria from the 1822 La Zingara. A heartrending scene from Gabriella di Vergy (from 1826) is stunningly sung by Eiddwen Harrhy, and a sextet from Pietro il Grande (1819) is complex and entertaining enough to have helped the composer’s reputation. And some charming, almost Bellinian, almost Rossinian soprano/mezzo work from Elvida (1826) is by turns smooth and perky with Annick Massis and Jennifer Larmore.
All of the selections are from previous Opera Rara releases, some going back to 1989, and there’s not a dud in the group. While perhaps nothing reaches the heights of, say, Anna Bolena’s final scene, each has something to recommend it. And across the board the performances are excellent–committed, stylish, handsomely sung. The sound is uniformly fine and so is the leadership of the three conductors. Rarities for the true opera lover. [10/18/2004]
