Rossini: Ricciardo E Zoraide
) | Label: Naxos Opera Catalog: 8660419-21 Format: CD Beltrami, Silvia; Brull, Anna; Poznan Camerata Bach Choir; Bills, Randall; Mironov, Maxim; Zolubak, Bartosz; Pierro, Nahuel di; Virtuosi Brunensis; Pérez-Sierra, José Miguel; Marianelli, Alessandra; Mian, Diana; Sargsyan, ArtavazdBased on an epic poem by Niccolo Forteguerri and set in the times of the Crusades, Ricciardo e Zoraide is a drama full of infatuations and jealousy, imprisonment and murderous plots, concluding with a gallant rescue and a benevolent outcome. The problems of such a complex and intense libretto were solved by Rossini through sheer dramatic skill, sophisticated melodic inventiveness, an emphasis on contrasts between dark and light, and the innovative and extensive use of on-stage musicians. This rarely heard opera is a true bel canto feast that reinvents the long tradition of chivalrous tales that still fascinate us today.  Price: $57.98 |