Racing to Reims in a Rossini Formula-1
OperaIl viaggio a Reims was Rossini’s last Italian opera and the first he wrote in France for its Paris premiere in 1825 as part of the festivities for the coronation of Charles X. Conceived for the greatest voices of the time, the opera requires an exceptional cast: three prima donna sopranos, an alto, two tenors, and four baritones and basses have leading roles. For Rossini Opera Festival’s Accademia in Pesaro, Il viaggio a Reims has become an annual summer showcase for the next generation of bel canto singers – and one loyally followed live by audiences on OperaVision. Founded by the conductor Alberto Zedda, the Accademia Rossiniana has an international reputation for training young Rossini voices. One former student, Juan Diego Flórez, is not only one of the world’s leading tenors but the artistic director of the Rossini Opera Festival itself. Emilio Sagi’s production provides a beautiful platform on which young artists can shine. Broadcast live by Slippedisc courtesy of OperaVision.
The Plot: at the Inn of the Golden Lily, the most illustrious figures in Europe converge to celebrate a royal French coronation. But between lost luggage, missing horses, and some amorous antics, nothing will happen as planned.
Live on 16th August 2024 at 11.00 CET / 10.00 London / 5.00 New York
Abbado et.al., Berlin 1992
https://youtu.be/FhqC_fUXczo
That’s one of the best things Abbado did – though I prefer his first recording with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
I prefer the second, with the Berlin.
The Pesaro performance is better played and recorded. The Berlin performance is less well recorded and the orchestra often overwhelms the singers. Also there is a fine performance from Wildbad conducted by Folgiani. Have all three but have not returned often to the Berlin performance.
The only cast name I recognize here is Giuseppe De Luca as “Don Profondo.” Probably not the same baritone who created the title role in GIANNI SCHICCHI in 1918….