I puritani is one of Bellini's most creative and influential masterpieces, a bel canto opera stamped with vocal and orchestral writing of intoxicating beauty and dramatic intensity. Set in England in the Civil War shortly before Oliver Cromwell's triumph, it involves romantic and political intrigues that drew from Bellini music of melodic raptness and melancholic depth. It also inspired him to compose some of his most breathtakingly virtuosic passages, notably Elvira's Mad Scene, that call for the utmost in theatrical power. This production includes all the music performed at the work's Paris premiere.

I puritani is one of Bellini's most creative and influential masterpieces, a bel canto opera stamped with vocal and orchestral writing of intoxicating beauty and dramatic intensity. Set in England in the Civil War shortly before Oliver Cromwell's triumph, it involves romantic and political intrigues that drew from Bellini music of melodic raptness and melancholic depth. It also inspired him to compose some of his most breathtakingly virtuosic passages, notably Elvira's Mad Scene, that call for the utmost in theatrical power. This production includes all the music performed at the work's Paris premiere.

NORMA

Starring Dimitra Theodossiou, Daniela Barcellona & Carlo Ventre. From the Macerata Festival, Italy, 2007. 2 DVDs. (165 min)

Classical Music

For this record of 1966 we can easily use the word "legendary" for defining it; with Claudio Abbado as conductor, Giacomo Aragll in the role of Romeo, and Luciano Pavarotti in the role of Tebaldo. This performance seems a competition of talents with the result of giving a new life to the one of the most complete and beautiful sheet music by Bellini. I Capuleti e i Montecchi must be rightly included among the greatest masterpieces of romantic Italian melodrama of the the first half of XIX century; this exceptional opera is not considered as it worth only by a musical critic submitted by to the German canons. The role of Romeo was composed for "en travesti " soprano and nowadays is normal that this opera has been successfully performed in the original version with a unique poetry and refinement for the role of Romeo performed by a young Argall. Pavarotti e la Rinaldi are not less as Tebaldo and Juliet. This is a do not miss double CD for all opera lovers.

BELLINI: Capuleti e i Montecchi (1830 La Scala version)

Classical Music

Norma is considered not only Bellini’s masterpiece, but also one of the best 19th century operas tout court. Yet, its premiere at La Scala in 1831, three months from the beginning of its composition, was received with a coldness that surprised even Bellini. However, in the space of a few days Norma dispelled all doubts and started on a triumphant journey. This production was recorded at the Macerata Opera Festival, and features a superb cast. It was a particularly great success for Uruguayan soprano Maria Jose Siri, who performs the title role, and Italian mezzo Sonia Ganassi who is Adalgisa. “A perfect synthesis of cast, direction, sets, lighting, and costumes,” according to Italian critics. The aria “Casta diva” received a standing ovation.

World premiere on Blu-ray! Beatrice di Tenda is a tragic opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini. In Beatrice very diverse elements coexist: there are music patterns already experimented in Norma and used here to their utmost potential, side by side with new ways and techniques, which would be treasured by Verdi.

Classical Music

Bellini: I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Live)

In this darkly dramatic production of I Putitani, Mariola Cantarero is compelling as the heroine on the verge of insanity in one of the greatest mad scenes in the history of opera. One of the leading lyric tenors today, John Osborne sings Arturo with fearless commitment and some spectacular top notes. In the pit is the bel canto specialist Giuliano Carella.

Classical Music

Classical Music