Maxim 2006

Rossini's wonderful comic opera, written when he was only 21, to an Italian libretto by Angelo Anelli, was first performed in Venice on May 22, 1813. Since then audiences have thrilled to such mezzos as Teresa Berganza and Marilyn Horne, in the title role of Isabella, the Italian girl who torments the Pasha into loving his own wife. Here rising star Christianne Stotijn, a BBC Young Generation Artist, moves into new repertoire in this production from Aix-en Provence, 2006, conducted by Rossini specialist Riccarda Frizza and directed by Toni Servillo.

"Phénoménal Vengerov!" proclaims the cover of this budget box set, and for a one-word description that's not bad. Gifted with classic dark Slavic good looks, this Russian (in fact, Siberian) violinist has technique in abundance. In the music collected here, recorded for EMI between his signing in 2000 and an arm injury that temporarily sidelined him in 2006 and somewhat redirected his career, he's not so much a member of the "Russian school." In fact, the only Russian music on the three CDs is a transcription of the Rachmaninov Vocalise.

“This is a truly marvellous performance on all counts - staging, conducting and singing. Sir Peter Hall… manages to breathe new life into the routines without ever slipping over into farce, while exploring each character in some depth. The sense of an ensemble on top form is underlined by Vladimir Jurowski's exacting, pellucid and vivid interpretation, so that the music, like the libretto, is presented afresh…”

Gramophone Magazine, May 2006

Daniel Hope provides a thoughtful and distinctive take on this increasingly familiar music. While his coolly radiant tone can turn fragile and scratchy at times of stress, his interpretations have a patient sobriety recalling David Oistrakh, the great Soviet-era virtuoso to whom the present CD is dedicated.