Gioachino Rossini - La pietra del paragone - "Oh come il fosco impetuoso nembo" (Raul Gimenez)

I've wanted to post this piece or, to be absolutely honest, its' interpretation, for quite some time. Originally, I planned to post it in my collection of Rossini's comic music but it does not really fit into the collection, thus I decided to post it separately as this rendition truly merits a separate upload :)!

The aria itself is rather uninteresting, pale in comparison to so many inspired pieces Rossini wrote for his tenors (in this case, a young Domenico Donzelli). The narrative is simple: Giocondo, the "Pierrot" of the work, is separated from the other hunters during the storm and then proceeds to explain how the weather matches the tempest that consumes his heart, as he is in love with a woman that does not love him but his best friend. The aria starts promisingly with an elaborate moderato which, though, is too brief and is then replaced by a central B section cast in a more sombre mood which is intense but somewhat unsatisfactory. Thankfully, the moderato A section returns at the end complete with a long coda of gentle virtuosity that brings the piece to a lovely conclusion.

Why am I posting a piece that I don't exactly admire? The problem (or revelation) comes in the fact that it is performed by a young Raul Gimenez to such perfection that my criticism of the aria itself is made completely irrelevant: the moderatos and the coda are especially fresh and warm, combining rare sensitivity and stunning technique. All in all, a superb rendition. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do :)!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• classical
• belcanto
• Rossini
• la
• pietra
• del
• paragone
• coloratura

[F8V22]

He is great! Love you , Raul!

[callastoujours]

Beautiful!!!

[umroo2014]

His soft coloratura at the end is impeccable! Bravo!!

[lyrictenorfan]

LindoroRossini, thanks to you I've discovered this outstanding recording!

[cocoalex2]

Amazing. Thanks for posting it! :)

[cenerentolinetta]

"the moderatos and the coda are especially fresh and warm, combining rare sensitivity and stunning technique." - thank you for expressing my very feelings towards the INTERPRETATION... the whole CD just makes my heart ache for its beauty and simplicity... even if it sounds bold to call rossini's music simple, this artist gives you in the most elaborate music a profound, sincere interpretation...

[fieldcastilla]

I find this quite beautiful. By the way, do you have the complete finale of act I? It's pretty brilliant as well.

[mxwhisper]

I found this particularly beautiful. Thank you for the upload and all others.

[decimaquinta69]

Bello

[imusiciki]

I certainly enjoyed it as much as you did:) Thank you!