Rossini: L'italiana in Algeri - Act I | Horne, Montarsolo, Ahlstedt, Monk, Levine (MET 1986)

Composer: Giaochino Rossini
Librettist: Angelo Anelli
Premiere: 22 May 1813, Venice (Teatro San Benedetto)
Language: Italian
Subtitles: English & Italian (Click on CC)
L' italiana in Algeri Synopsis: https://www.opera-arias.com/rossini/l'italiana-in-algeri/synopsis/

Act II: https://rumble.com/v4c37bt-rossini-litaliana-in-algeri-act-ii-horne-montarsolo-ahlstedt-monk-levine-me.html
Marilyn Horne talks about Rossini: https://rumble.com/v4c35mc-marilyn-horne-talks-about-rossini.html

L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) is an operatic dramma giocoso in two acts by Gioachino Rossini to an Italian libretto by Angelo Anelli, based on his earlier text set by Luigi Mosca. It premiered at the Teatro San Benedetto in Venice on 22 May 1813. The music is characteristic of Rossini's style, remarkable for its fusion of sustained, manic energy with elegant, pristine melodies.

Rossini wrote L'italiana in Algeri when he was 21. Rossini stated that he composed the opera in 18 days, though other sources claim that it took him 27 days. Rossini entrusted the composition of the recitatives as well as the aria "Le femmine d'Italia" to an unknown collaborator. The opera is notable for Rossini's mixing of opera seria style with opera buffa. The overture is widely recorded and performed today, known for its distinct opening of slow, quiet pizzicato basses, leading to a sudden loud burst of sound from the full orchestra. This "surprise" reflects Rossini's early admiration for Joseph Haydn, whose Symphony No. 94 in G major, "The Surprise Symphony", is so named for the same shocking and semi-comic effect.

The work was first performed at the Teatro San Benedetto, Venice on 22 May 1813. It was a notable success and Rossini made progressive changes to the work for later performances in Vicenza, Milan and Naples, during the following two years. The opera was first presented in London at His Majesty's Theatre on 28 January 1819 and on 5 November 1832 in New York.

Cast & Characters:
Isabella - Marilyn Horne
Mustafa - Paolo Montarsolo
Lindoro - Douglas Ahlstedt
Taddeo - Allan Monk
Elvira - Myra Merritt
Zulima - Diane Kesling
Hali - Spiro Malas

Recitative Accompanist: Warren Jones (Harpsichord/Cembalo/Clavecin)

Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor : James Levine
Production: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Set & Costume Design: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Video Director: Brian Large