Turco,

Cecilia Bartoli remains one of the world's finest Rossini singers and she proves it again with Il Turco in Italia, her 1st complete Rossini recording since 1993. The performance was recorded in Milan, with the power of the La Scala Orchestra & Chorus and the best Rossini an cast possible, led - of course - by Cecilia Bartoli's coloratura, more brilliant than ever.

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.

Gioacchino Rossini wrote two kinds of comic opera. First there was the manic, almost farcial "opera buffa" (eg. THE BARBER OF SEVILLE). Then there was a kind of serio-comedy akin to the "dramma giocoso" of Mozart. IL TURCO IN ITALIA (1816) definitely falls in the latter category (as does LA CENERENTOLA). This little-known opera is a real gem. It is about a Muslim prince (Selim, sung by Michele Pertusi in fine voice) from Turkey and the comedy and conflict that ensue when he visits Italy. A clash of cultures ensues as the polygamous Selim tries to steal Don Geronio's young wife, Fiorilla (mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, singing a role written for soprano)…

Ambrosian Chant: Early Christian Chant Of The Ambrosian Rite
Manuela Schenale / In Dulci Jubilo / Alberto Turco
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 220 MB | MP3 CBR 320: 145 MB | Full Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Naxos "Early Music" 8.553502 | Country/Year: Europe 1995
Genre: Classical | Style: Sacred, Medieval

Ambrosian chant (also known as Milanese chant) is the liturgical plainchant repertory of the Ambrosian rite of the Roman Catholic Church, related to but distinct from Gregorian chant. It is primarily associated with the Archdiocese of Milan, and named after St. Ambrose much as Gregorian chant is named after Gregory the Great. It is the only surviving plainchant tradition besides the Gregorian to maintain the official sanction of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ambrosian Chant: Early Christian Chant Of The Ambrosian Rite
Manuela Schenale / In Dulci Jubilo / Alberto Turco
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 220 MB | MP3 CBR 320: 145 MB | Full Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Naxos "Early Music" 8.553502 | Country/Year: Europe 1995
Genre: Classical | Style: Sacred, Medieval

Ambrosian chant (also known as Milanese chant) is the liturgical plainchant repertory of the Ambrosian rite of the Roman Catholic Church, related to but distinct from Gregorian chant. It is primarily associated with the Archdiocese of Milan, and named after St. Ambrose much as Gregorian chant is named after Gregory the Great. It is the only surviving plainchant tradition besides the Gregorian to maintain the official sanction of the Roman Catholic Church.

Il turco in Italia is one of Rossini's wittiest but most neglected works. It is full of ingenious and freshly composed invention. It is Rossini's first collaboration with Felice Romani - Bellini's librettist - on this opera and Romani understood perfectly Rossini's love of pastiche and parody. He provided a commedia dell' arte scenario that gave Rossini plenty of opportunity to mock traditions he had helped to cultivate in the first place. The plot of Il turco is delightfully salacious and among the many jewels in the score, the duet for Geronio and Selim, in which the Turk tries to persuade the ageing husband to sell his wife to him, is widely considered one of the composer's masterpieces. Cecilia Bartoli has been heralded as the most exciting, accomplished and beautiful Rossini singer to appear in the modern era, remarkably similar in range, presence and temperament to Rossini's great love, the fiery Spanish soprano Isabella Colbran. The flirtatious, high-spirited and beguiling young wife is a perfect role for such a vivacious and expressive singer like Bartoli. A strong cast will also feature two of today's most accomplished basses, both known for their dramatic abilities - Ruggero Raimondi as Selim, the Turk and Paolo Rumetz as the ridiculous husband, Don Geronio.

Il Turco in Italia is one of Rossini‘s wittiest but most neglected works. It is full of ingenious and freshly composed invention. It is Rossini‘s fi rst collaboration with Felice Romani - Bellini‘s librettist - on this opera and Romani understood perfectly Rossini‘s love of pastiche and parody. He provided a commedia dell‘ arte scenario that gave Rossini plenty of opportunity to mock traditions he had helped to cultivate in the first place. The plot is delightfully salcious and among the many jewels in the score, the duet for Geronio and Selim, in which the Turk tries to persuade the ageing husband to sell his wife to him, is widely considered one of the composer‘s masterpieces.