Bianca Van Orden

Orden Ogan prove once more that reaching the top of the power metal chain is a walk in the park for them. Being it with mighty, catchy choruses or well-constructed instrumental parts, the Teutonic powerhouse managed to create an equally great effort here as their marvelous previous works…

The most comprehensive edition devoted to Gioachino Rossini marking his 150th anniversary. Born in 1792, Rossini was the most popular opera composer of his time. Although he retired from the Opera scene in 1829, he continued to compose in other genres, including sacred music, piano and chamber works. He did gather his late works under the ironic title Péchés de vieillesse (Sins of Old Age), which veils a true collection of masterworks.

Bianca e Falliero was commissioned by La Scala, Milan, for its prestigious Carnival season of 1819–20, enjoying a run of no fewer than 39 performances. Rossini responded with a score the virtuosity and expressivity of which outdid even his Neapolitan works. Prevailing tastes at La Scala meant that ensembles predominated over arias but behind the conventional dictates Rossini lavished the utmost care on his work, fashioning an opera full of dramatic coloratura and powerful theatrical craft and notable for its rich and often surprising use of harmony.

Vincenzo Bellini was among the most important Italian opera composers of the early 19th century, and the quintessential representative of its bel canto tradition. Despite his enduring renown, his official operatic début Bianca e Gernando was known only in its revised version of Bianca e Fernando until this rediscovery and revival at Bad Wildbad in July 2016. Set in the ducal palace of Agrigento and with its tale of secretive plots and triumph over tyranny, this original version of the opera presents both unknown music and significant differences from the revised version, giving its dramatic shape a distinctive new character.

There have never been better days for Rossini enthusiasts. Since my Rossini conspectus was published, in two parts, in November 2005, and a clutch of Rossini operas, not previously or easily available, have appeared on CD and DVD. These include DVDs of three of the early farse in productions by Michael Hempe, Maometto II from La Fenice, Moïse et Pharaon from Milan and La Gazzetta…

– Robert J. Farr, MusicWeb International