ROSSINI SECOF GEMMABELLA ZADE BARBOLINI - MAOMETTO II CD

SKU/Barcode: 730099614924

Naxos' 2004 release of Maometto II is based on Rossini's revised Venetian version of 1822, and so it represents a middle ground between the highly innovative Neapolitan original and the ultimately more successful (and conventional) French reworking, Le si ge de Corinthe. In this Venetian version, some of the vocal parts are simplified, many of the innovative scene structures of the original are revised into more traditional forms, and the plot is reworked to conform to Venetian tastes of the time -- most notably, the need for a happy ending and a full overture. The work is also notable for its emphasis on lower voices: mezzo soprano, contralto, and bass. There is not a single role for soprano, though there are two for tenor. Although assembled from live performances in July 2002, at the Rossini in Wildbad festival, the recording is well performed and engineered and is highly recommendable to anyone with an interest in the piece. Brad Cohen leads the Czech Chamber Soloists and Czech Philharmonic Choir in a clean, well-articulated, and energetic reading of the score. He highlights the elements of Rossini's orchestration that are universal in his works -- the woodwind interjections, the pulsing strings, the slowly building crescendos -- while always keeping the sound grounded in the world of serious drama. Denis Sedov is a convincing conqueror in the title role, taking the stage forcefully and singing with a gruff imperialism. Luisa Islam-Ali-Zade and Massimiliano Barbolini both sing capably in the roles of Anna and Paulo Erisso (the governor and his daughter, who has secretely fallen for Maometto in disguise), and Antonio de Gobbi's weighty bass is perfectly cast as the general Condulmiero. The most interesting singing on the album is done by contralto Anna Rita Gemmabella in the role of the general Calbo; her deep, rich, yet flexible voice is a kaleidoscope of colors, and she negotiates Rossini's intricate writing with apparent ease.

1. Sinfonia: Maestoso Allegro
2. No. 1 Introduzione: Al Tuo Cenno Erisso
3. No. 2 Coro Di Donne: Restate Amici
4. No. 3 Scena E Quartetto Con Coro: Ilarita!...Per Me?...Speranza!
5. No. 4 Scena E Terzetto: Che Sento! Oh Dio!
6. No. 4 Continued: Giusto Cielo In Tal Periglio
7. No. 4 Continued: Mira Signor Quel Pianto
8. No. 5 Coro E Cavatina: Del Ferro Dal Foco
9. No. 6 Finale: Compiuta Ancor Del Tutto
10. No. 6 Continued: Giusto Ciel Che Strazio E Questo!
11. No. 6 Continued: Guardie Ola Costor Si Traggano
12. No. 7 Introduzione: E Follia Sul Fior Degli Anni
13. No. 8 Scena: Tacete. Ahime! Quai Detti Inqui Ascolto!
14. No. 8 Continued: Anna... Tu Piangi?
15. No. 9 Scena: Oh! Come Un Cieco Affetto
16. No. 9 Continued: Non Temer: DUn Basso Affetto
17. No. 10 Scena: Oh! Come Al Cor Soavi
18. No. 10 Continued: Pria Svenar Con Ferme Ciglia
19. No. 11 Gran Scena Ed Aria: Alfin Compiuta E Un A Meta
20. No. 12 Scena E Rondo Finale: I Puri Voti Accogli