L'Italiana in Algeri - Overture (Sinfonia) - James Levine |
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Description: I have to get Brian Large's close-up video of James Levine loaded. I think it's important for the video director to know the music. The music tells when a close is appreciated, desired, and sensed by the audience before it appears. Considering that this recording is 26 years old, the sound quality is excellent, with the mikes right above the stage instead of back in the auditorium. L'Italiana in Algeri Sinfonia / Ouverture Conductor - James Levine Video Director: Brian Large Metropolitan Opera 1986 "Underrated masterpiece" is a frequent remark about "L'Italiana". And I certainly agree. This early opera buffa contains some of the most charming Rossini music you can imagine, full of beautiful arias and brilliant ensembles. It reminds me Mozart more than the later. "L'Italiana" is a determined Italian lady, sung by contralto, who travels to Algiers to search for her lover, Lindoro, kidnapped and held as a slave by Mustafa, the Bey of Algiers. Isabella's wit and charm prove too much for Mustafa and his retinue, and she is able to escape with Lindoro at the end... Exceptionally, the overture is thematically linked with the opera itself, which is unusual for Rossini's overtures: "L'Italiana" starts with a theatrically heavy slow introduction ("Pria di dividerci") leading into an exciting allegro with elements of sonata form. The first theme ("allegro") is perfect in establishing much of the confusion that Mustafa's foolishness causes; while the more gentle second theme ("dolce", "leggiero") could symbolize the lovesick Lindoro. A musical link occurs in the crescendos that feature a rising theme which will appear later in Taddeo's aria. All in all, a most inspiring opening. Giulini's version remains my favorite. Just enjoy it. And don't forget your limoncello. "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. The opera was composed in either 18 or 27 days... 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, semi-comic effect." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%2527italiana_in_Algeri ------------------------------------- Since he first took the podium at the Metropolitan Opera in 1971, James Levine has conducted almost 2,500 performances there - a record number - and his repertoire is equally staggering: 85 operas. He is noted for his collaboration with singers, but equally important is his work with the Met orchestra, which he has fine-tuned into one of the world's leading ensembles. James Levine conducts Ernani - Prelude (Verdi): /watch?v=rjaaO0z8xw8 ------------------------------------- 
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