Gioachino Rossini - L'italiana in Algeri - "Pria di dividerci da voi"

There are just too many inspired and genius sections in Rossini's ideal Arabic romp of "L'italiana in Algeri" to single out any highlights. But the Act One Finale is exactly the quirky and funny number that end the first part of the opera with a big enough bang. Not only is it musically enchanting, but it also incorporates several charming ideas that would be only possible in Rossini's world: a striking dramatic confrontation (Lindoro and Isabella finally meeting each other; Mustafa and his entourage growing more and more confused; the Italians beginning to create their plan of escape); a charming fluidity of form (the opening andante slowly moves from terzet to duettino to full concentrato); and, finally, the excellent final allegro playing out as a sort of vocal/instrumental piece with various sound effect (from Mustafa's "bom-bom" in the bass line to Elvira flute-like vocalization).

The cast is as follows:

Isabella - Agnes Baltsa,
Lindoro - Frank Lopardo,
Mustafa - Ruggero Raimondi,
Taddeo - Enzo Dara,
Elvira - Patrizia Pace,
Zulma - Anna Gonda,
Haly - Alessandro Corbelli.

Enjoy :)!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rossini
• classical
• belcanto
• coloratura
• finale
• L'italiana
• in
• Algeri

[italianoperafan]

Excellent interpretation with Madame Baltsa superb, deep voice and perfect harmony between all the singers in this refreshing part! Bravo! (PS: Who is the conductor?)

[LindoroRossini]

Claudio Abbado :).

[LindoroRossini]

Incidentally, several other excepts that I am going to use will come from Abbado's recording, including Baltsa's version of "Per lui che adoro" :).

[Dogaradodia]

Certified Intergalactic! Bravo Raimondi! (starting at 1:49) "Va sossopra il mio cervello" is at 3:50. Great choral delivery at 7:17!

[CaballeroCatalan]

@amki1111

That's Pace as Elvira :)

[amki1111]

Is that Patrizia Pace's the delicious voice in the latter ensemble part? or Gonda?

[mxwhisper]

Quite amazing! Only Rossini could write something like this. I would love to see this opera.

[italianoperafan]

Of course!... who else could it be? :)

[jay377777]

It is a fun finale to be sure, perhaps one of Rossini's best, certainly comical and full of energy. I remember another user posted a number from the Mosca opera(Meyerbeer1 I believe). It would be interesting to see what Mosca did with the first finale by comparison but I am not sure if anyone has the complete recording of that one. I am sure they would be closer in style than the two Barber of Sevilles!