belcantopera's video: IL TURCO IN ITALIA - Maria Callas 1954 Complete Opera Rossini

Rossini was just 22 when he wrote Il Turco in Italia, and clearly relished librettist Felice Romani's outrageous farce. But the heroine's wildly immoral antics caused some consternation at the opera's premiere on 14 August 1814, and would play a part in Il Turco's virtual disappearance from Europe's stages later in the century. The opera wasn't seen again until 1950, and in Luchino Visconti's La Scala production, which starred Maria Callas as the incorrigible Fiorilla. The production's triumph secured the opera's position as one of Rossini's most complex and uproarious comedies. The opera is surprisingly contemporary in feel, especially in the character of the Poet, who "writes" the opera as it unfolds, lending a Pirandellian dimension to Rossini’s zaniest but also most subtle opera... Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, Mariano Stabile, Jolanda Gardino, Franco Calabrese, Piero de Palma Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala Gianandrea Gavazzeni - conductor ------------------------------------- Sinfonia / Overture (0:01) An unusually long introduction displays an extended, melancholy horn solo with full orchestral accompaniment, before giving way to Rossini's "horse style"... Act 1 (8:43) The action begins on a beach near Naples. The poet (baritone) is seeking inspiration for a play. He meets a band of Gypsies (Nostra patria è il mondo intero, 8:43), including the unhappy Zaida (mezzo-soprano). Perhaps the Gypsies can provide some ideas? (Ho da far un dramma buffo, 11:03). The obstinate and sometimes foolish Geronio (bass) is looking for a fortune teller to advise him on his marital problems (Vado in traccia d’una zingara, 14:53), but the Gypsies tease him. Geronio's capricious young wife Fiorilla (soprano) enters singing (in contrast to Zaida) of the joys of free and unfettered love (Non si dà follia maggiore, 19:49). A Turkish ship arrives and the prince disembarks (Voga, voga, a terra, a terra, 23:27). It is Selim (bass) himself (Bella Italia, alfin ti miro, 25:13). Fiorilla is immediately attracted to the handsome Turk... Narciso (tenor) appears in her pursuit. He is an ineffectual admirer of Fiorilla posing as a friend of her husband. Geronio follows, horrified to learn that Fiorilla is taking the Turk home to drink his coffee... The poet can see that he has the makings of a comedy here (Un marito scimunito!, 32:23). Geronio's house. Fiorilla and Selim are flirting (Siete Turchi, 39:29). Geronio enters timidly and Selim is initially impressed by his unexpected meekness (Io stupisco, mi sorprende, 42:45), and he leaves after quietly arranging to meet Fiorilla again by his ship. Geronio tells Fiorilla he will not allow any more Turks - or Italians - in his house (Per piacere alla Signora, 51:15). She sweetly undermines his complaints (No mia vita, mio tesoro, 53:44), and then, when he softens, threatens to punish him by enjoying herself even more wildly, by bringing home a thousand lovers if she wishes... (Ed osate minacciarmi, 55:37) The sea shore at night. Zaida and the gypsies are singing of their fortune-telling skill (Gran meraviglie, 57:16). Selim is waiting for Fiorilla (Per la fuga è tutto lesto, 58:36). Instead he meets Zaida. The former lovers are shocked and delighted, and declare once more their mutual love. Narciso re-appears (Perché mai se son tradito, 1:03:08), followed by Fiorilla in disguise (Chi servir non brama amor, 1:06:35), with Geronio in pursuit. Selim confuses the veiled Fiorilla with Zaida and the two women come suddenly face to face... Fiorilla accuses Selim of betrayal (Ah! che il cor non m’ingannava, 1:09:32). There is a stormy finale (Quando il vento improvviso sbuffando, 1:14:02). Act 2 (1:17:00) Selim approaches Geronio amicably, offering to buy Fiorilla (D’un bell’uso di Turchia ... Se Fiorilla di vender bramate, 1:18:14). Geronio refuses. Selim vows to steal her instead... Fiorilla arrives with friends, extolling the pleasures of love (Non v’è piacer perfetto, 1:24:54). Selim and Fiorilla quarrel but are eventually reconciled (Credete alle femmine, 1:29:39). A ballroom with masqueraders and dancers. Fiorilla mistakes Narciso for Selim and Narciso leads her away. Meanwhile Selim enters with Zaida, under the impression that she is Fiorilla. Geronio is in utter despair at finding two couples and two Fiorillas (Oh! guardate che accidente, 1:38:23). The beach. Selim and Zaida are about to set sail for Turkey, while Fiorilla is looking for a boat to take her back to her home town. Geronio finds and forgives her (Son la vite, 1:47:07). "E contento qual son io, forse il Publico sarà" (Il Poeta) -------------------------------------