Arnold Bosman, Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia - Gaetano Donizetti: La zingara (2002)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 590 Mb | Total time: 76:04+48:00 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Dynamic | # 396/1-2 | Recorded: 2001
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 590 Mb | Total time: 76:04+48:00 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Dynamic | # 396/1-2 | Recorded: 2001
Despite its moronic libretto, the opera was an enormous success at its premiere in Naples in 1822, and even Bellini wrote nice things about the second-act septet. Donizetti mixes buffo and serious characters, as well as Neapolitan dialect (there are no recitatives; numbers are separated by spoken dialogue) with “pure” Italian, and the absurd plot is (sort of) held together by the clever Argilla, who under the guise of telling fortunes gains entry to people’s feelings as well as to every area of the castle. Is it a masterpiece? Even close? No, but there are niceties galore–rhythmic arias and ensembles, good (if typical) characterizations, and good tunes.