L’italiana in Algeri, Opera by G. Rossini
An opera that pushed the boundaries of the Italian operatic tradition when it was first staged, L’italiana in Algeri is now considered to be a classic of the genre, one which has been delighting audiences globally for well over two centuries. This production of Gioachino Rossini's enduring dramma giocoso at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in the heart of Rome features some compelling arias, including Cruda sorte! Amor tiranno!, which is sung by the opera's heroine, Isabella. First staged in Venice on 22 May 1813 at Teatro San Benedetto, L’italiana in Algeri was subsequently revised by Rossini until the work that is now performed was finished.
This run of performances at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, or Teatro Constanzi, is set in North Africa. In the opera – which is usually translated into English as The Italian Girl in Algiers – the ruler of the city, a Bey named Mustafà, has decided that he no longer cares for his wife Elvira. He says he wants to give his Elvira to an Italian man at his court, Lindoro, who has been captured. Meanwhile, he claims to want an Italian woman since he has become bored with the women in his harem. Lindoro's fiancé, Isabella, is searching for her lover and, despite being taken captive by pirates, ends up at the Bey's court, too. Instantly recognising one another, Lindoro and Isabella contrive to fool Mustafà. Audiences have been fascinated by this tale of feminine cunning against an untrustworthy and spoilt ruler who seemingly only has his self-interest at heart, not least because of Rossini's scoring for the mezzo-soprano voice which gives Isabella's character great scope for expression.
Rossini's score for L’italiana in Algeri is original and compelling with numerous busy melody lines and several notably memorable soaring vocal lines. That said, the libretto for the opera, written by Rossini's countryman, Angelo Anelli, was not particularly new given that it had been based on a previous opera of the same name by Luigi Mosca. Nevertheless, Rossini blended his style to produce something novel which received thunderous applause at its premiere. The scene is set early on with an overture that is something of a mini-masterpiece in its own right. It begins with the slow pizzicato phrase played on the basses which gives way to an explosive orchestral performance. Fans of opera and newcomers alike will find this production of L’italiana in Algeri delivers on all counts.