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2010-2011

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Opera Rara’s40TH ANNIVERSARY

(1970 --2010)

TO CELEBRATE ITS 40THANNIVERSARY, OPERA RARAHAS COMPILED THISSTUNNING COLLECTION OFHIGHLIGHTS FROM ITSINCOMPARABLE CATALOGUE.IT INCLUDES EXCERPTS FROM THE VERY FIRSTRECORDING, DONIZETTI’S ‘UGO, CONTE DI PARIGI’,THROUGH TO THE RECENT,ROSSINI’S ‘ERMIONE’

ORR248 (1CD) AVAILABLE MAY 2010

THE FIRST FULL OPERARECORDING OF AMERICAN

SUPERSTAR SOPRANO,RENÉE FLEMING, WAS

DONIZETTI’S ‘ROSMONDAD’INGHILTERRA’ FOR OPERA

RARA. FLEMING’S SUPERBDONIZETTIAN SKILLS SHINE

THROUGH IN THIS DISC OFHIGHLIGHTS, RE-RELEASED

TO COINCIDE WITH OPERARARA’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

ORR214 (1CD) RE-RELEASED MAY 2010

www.opera-rara.com

Recommended by The PenguinGuide to Compact Discs and DVDsas an outstanding performanceand recording in every way

Worldpremiererecording

This SACD iscompatible withall CD players

The Penguin Guide toCompact Discs and DVDsKey Recording used as the basis of a personalcollection

❂★★★ Live concertrecording

4 INTRODUCTION – 6 INTRODUCTION – 8 EINLEITUNG – 10 INTRODUZIONE 12 OPERA INDEX49 VERDI ORIGINALS52 ESSENTIAL OPERA RARA SERIES56 ARTIST COLLECTIONS59 IL SALOTTO SERIES65 ANTHOLOGIES67 COMPILATIONS74 ARTIST/COMPOSER INDEX78 DISTRIBUTORS

Cover: The Woman with the Pearlby Jean Baptiste Camille Corot The Bridgeman Art Library

Recording the world’s rarest operas

3

Founded: 1970 by Patric Schmid and Don WhitePatrons: Dame Joan Sutherland OM, AC, DBE, Sir Mark Elder CBE Renée Fleming, Juan Diego Flórez, Simon Keenlyside

c o n t e n t s

Opera Rara is a registered charityCharity no. 261403

June 2010 is a red-letter day for OperaRara. It marks the 40th anniversary of ourongoing mission, launched by bel canto

enthusiasts Patric Schmid and Don White, to bringwonderful, yet neglected 19th century operasdown from dusty library shelves to be bothperformed and recorded. Four decades on, wecontinue to build on the foundations they laiddown with such imagination and devotion, relying,as they did, on the Peter Moores Foundation andon our many loyal supporters, including membersof the Opera Rara Association. This support isespecially valued in these difficult economic times.

Our current projects include ambitiousrecordings of major works by some of the greatestopera composers which have yet to receive theattention they deserve. Rossini’s Aureliano inPalmira was one of his early successes but untilrecently its vocal writing was considered toodemanding for modern singers; with artists such as Annick Massis, Silvia Tro Santafé and KennethTarver we hope to demonstrate its exceptionalqualities. Ermione was a disastrous failure in thecomposer’s lifetime and has only recently beenrecognised as one of his most adventurousmasterpieces. Our studio recording, led by the

exceptional young singers Carmen Giannattasioand Colin Lee, together with Patricia Bardon andPaul Nilon, all under David Parry’s direction, shouldhelp secure Ermione’s reputation with modernlisteners.

One of Bellini’s lesser-known operas, Il pirata,ignited international enthusiasm in its day and webelieve will do so again when David Parry conductsbel canto specialists Carmen Giannattasio, JoséBros and Ludovic Tézier in this fiery version of theeternal operatic triangle.

Many of the finest works of Donizetti’s maturityare still rarely performed, Linda di Chamounix andMaria di Rohan among them, but we agree withDonizetti experts that they are operas of greatquality and we are anxious to help restore them tofavour. In addition, as part of our Essential OperaRara series, we present highlights from I Normannia Parigi, one of the strongest works of the ‘lostmaster’, Mercadante.

Over the last 40 years we have recorded someoutstanding operas and this is acknowledged inour new compilation CD Celebrating 40 Years. We hope you enjoy them all and continue to helpus dive deep into the operatic depths to discovermore treasures for you to enjoy.

www.opera-rara.com4

Intr

oduc

tion

19

5

OFFENBACH

VERT-VERTBELLINI

IL PIRATA

THANKS TO OPERA RARA,THIS WITTY, SOPHISTICATED

AND SUBTLE OPERA-COMIQUE FLIES AGAIN!

IT IS SURE TO ENCHANT ALLOFFENBACH FANS

ORC41 (2CD) AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2010

ONE OF BELLINI’S LESSER-KNOWN OPERASIGNITED INTERNATIONALENTHUSIASM IN ITS DAY,

AND WE BELIEVE IT WILL DOSO AGAIN WITH THIS ALL-STAR STUDIO RECORDING

ORC45 (2CD) AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2011

WORLD

PREMIERE

RECORDING

,

www.opera-rara.com6

19 juin 2010 est une date marquéed’une pierre blanche pour Opera Rara.C’est en effet, le 40e anniversaire dulancement du projet de deux

passionnés du bel canto, Patric Schmid et DonWhite, qui voulaient redonner vie, en les faisant joueret graver, à de merveilleux opéras du XIXe sièclepourtant tombés dans l’oubli. Quarante ans plus tard,nous nous efforçons toujours de poursuivre l’œuvreque Patric et Don entreprirent avec tantd’imagination et de dévouement. Comme eux, nousbénéficions du soutien de la Fondation Peter Mooreset de fidèles auditeurs, dont les membres del’Association Opera Rara – soutien particulièrementprécieux en ces temps de crise économique.

Nous comptons, parmi nos projets actuels, desenregistrements ambitieux d’œuvres majeuressignées de très grands noms de l’opéra, qui n’ont pasencore pu être appréciées à leur juste valeur. AinsiAureliano in Palmira, œuvre de jeunesse de Rossini, a dû attendre jusqu’à récemment l’arrivée dechanteurs modernes capables de satisfairepleinement aux exigences de son écriture vocalecomme Annick Massis, Silvia Tro Santafé et KennethTarver. Véritable désastre du vivant de Rossini,Ermione – présenté en concert au Royal Festival Hallde Londres en mars dernier devant une critique et unpublic enthousiastes – est, depuis peu, reconnucomme l’un des chefs-d’œuvre les plus novateurs ducompositeur. Notre enregistrement en studio réaliséavec la même distribution remarquable qu’en concert– dont Carmen Giannattasio et Colin Lee, deux jeunes

talents d’exception accompagnés de Patricia Bardonet Paul Nilon, sous la direction de David Parry –devrait assurer la réputation d’Ermione auprès desauditeurs d’aujourd’hui.

Il pirata, opéra de Bellini peu connu aujourd’hui, a pourtant fait fureur sur la scène musicaleinternationale de l’époque. Il devrait soulever ànouveau l’enthousiasme sous la baguette de DavidParry dans cette fougueuse version de l’éterneltriangle amoureux interprétée par des spécialistes du bel canto, Carmen Giannattasio, José Bros etLudovic Tézier.

Parmi les plus belles pages de la maturité deDonizetti, nombreuses sont celles encore raremententendues, dont Linda di Chamounix et Maria diRohan. En accord avec les spécialistes donizettiens,nous les considérons comme des œuvres de grandequalité et sommes impatients de rétablir leurpopularité. Nous présentons, en outre, dans le cadrede la collection « Essential Opera Rara », des extraitsde I Normanni a Parigi, une des œuvres les pluspercutantes de Mercadante, « maître disparu », dontla connaissance nous paraît, en effet, essentielle.Nous sommes persuadés que nos auditeurspartageront ce sentiment.

Vous pourrez savourer les fleurons de l’opéra quenous avons gravés au cours de ces quarante dernièresannées grâce à la parution d’une compilationintitulée Celebrating 40 Years. Nous espérons qu’ilscombleront vos attentes et que vous continuerez ànous accompagner dans notre exploration dupatrimoine opératique.In

trod

uction

Le

7ORC42 (2CD) AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2010 ORC46 (2CD) AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2011

ROSSINI

ERMIONEROSSINI

AURELIANOIN PALMIRA

SET IN THE AFTERMATH OFTHE TROJAN WAR, THIS

OPERA IS RECOGNISED AS ALOST MASTERPIECE, WITHTENSION AND STAGGERINGORIGINALITY MAINTAINED

RIGHT TO THE VERY END

A SUCCESS IN ITS DAY, THISOPERA PROMISES TO THRILL

ANOTHER GENERATION OFLISTENERS IN THIS NEW

STUDIO RECORDING UNDERMAURIZIO BENINI

www.opera-rara.com8

19. Juni 2010 ist ein Tag, der imKalender von Opera Rara dickangestrichen ist, denn an dem Tag

vor vierzig Jahren nahm unsere Mission ihren Anfang. InsLeben gerufen wurde sie von den Belcanto-LiebhabernPatric Schmid und Don White mit dem Ziel, großartige,aber vielfach in Vergessenheit geratene Opern des 19.Jahrhunderts aus der Schublade zu holen, sie aufzuführenund einzuspielen. Vier Jahrzehnte später bauen wirweiterhin auf den von Patric und Don geschaffenenGrundlagen auf, die sie mit so großer Phantasie undHingabe gelegt haben. Wie sie sind wir auf dieUnterstützung der Peter Moores Foundation angewiesensowie auf unsere zahlreichen treuen Begleiter, zu denenauch die Mitglieder der Opera Rara Association gehören –eine Unterstützung, die wir in diesen ökonomischschweren Zeiten ganz besonders zu würdigen wissen.

Zu unseren neuen Projekten zählen anspruchsvolleAufnahmen bedeutender Werke von einigen der größtenOpernkomponisten – Werke, die aus dem einen oderanderen Grund noch nicht die ihnen gebührendeAufmerksamkeit bekommen. Aureliano in Palmira wareine der frühen Erfolge Rossinis, doch aufgrund deranspruchsvollen Gesangspartien gilt die Oper erst seiteiniger Zeit auch für heutige Sänger als singbar. Wirhoffen, wir können die Qualität dieses Werks mitKünstlern wie Annick Massis, Silvia Tro Santafé undKenneth Tarver überzeugend unter Beweis stellen.Ermione war zu Lebzeiten des Komponisten eingrandioses Fiasko und wurde erst vor kurzem als eines derabenteuerlichsten Meisterwerke dieses Komponisten

wiederentdeckt. Unsere Studioaufnahme mit derselbenStarbesetzung wie bei der Produktion – angeführt vonden herausragenden jungen Sängern CarmenGiannattasio und Colin Lee, dazu Patricia Bardon undPaul Nilon, alle unter der Leitung von David Parry – sollteErmione einen Erfolg beim heutigen Publikumgarantieren.

Eine von Bellinis weniger bekannten Opern, Il pirata,fand bei ihrer Premiere international immensen Anklang,und wir sind überzeugt, dass sie das auch heute wiedertun wird, wenn David Parry die Belcanto-SpezialistenCarmen Giannattasio, José Bros und Ludovic Tézier indieser feurigen Version des ewigen Dreiecks leitet.

Viele der schönsten Werke aus Donizettis Reifezeitsind noch immer selten auf der Bühne zu hören, darunteretwa Linda di Chamounix und Maria di Rohan, doch wirstimmen den Donizetti-Fachleuten zu, dass es sich beidiesen Opern um herausragende Werke handelt, für derenBeliebtheit wir uns mit Freuden engagieren. Im Rahmenunserer Reihe „Essential Opera Rara“ stellen wirHighlights aus I Normanni a Parigi vor, eines derüberzeugendsten Werke des „verlorenen Meisters“Mercadante.

Im Verlauf der vergangenen vierzig Jahre haben wireinige herausragende Opern eingespielt, die jetzt auchauf unserer neuen Kompilation Celebrating 40 Yearsvertreten sind. Wir hoffen, dass Sie sich an diesenHighlights erfreuen und uns weiterhin unterstützen beiunserem Bestreben, tief in den Opernfundus zu tauchenund noch mehr Schätze zutage zu fördern, an denen Siesich in kommenden Jahren erfreuen. Ei

nleitu

ngDer

MERCADANTE

I NORMANNI A PARIGI

IN THIS POPULAR SERIES OF NEW, SPECIALLY RECORDED HIGHLIGHTS, OPERA RARA

SELECTS THE BEST MOMENTS FROM NEGLECTED 19TH-CENTURY OPERAS. EACH

SINGLE-DISC SET IS ACCOMPANIED BY A COMPLETE LIBRETTO, ALLOWING THE

LISTENER TO PLACE THE SELECTIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE WHOLE OPERA

A TRIUMPH AT ITSPREMIERE IN 1832, THISIS CONSIDERED TO BEONE OF THE STRONGEST

WORKS OF THE‘LOST MASTER’

MERCADANTE. SET IN PARISFOLLOWING THEDEATH OF THE

MIGHTY KINGCHARLEMAGNE, THE

OPERA IS SHOT THROUGHWITH PERSONAL ANDPOLITICAL DRAMA

ORR249 (1CD)AVAILABLENOVEMBER 2010

WORLD

PREMIERE

RECORDING

ORR241 ORR224 ORR234 ORR237 ORR246 ORR228

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www.opera-rara.com10

19 giugno 2010 rappresenta una tappaimportante per Opera Rara. Ricorre il 40o

anniversario della sua missione, formulatanel lontano 1970 da due appassionati di belcanto,Patric Schmid e Don White, che si proposero dirispolverare i meravigliosi melodrammi dimenticatidel XIX secolo dagli scaffali delle biblioteche perrappresentarli nuovamente e registrarli. Oggi, adistanza di quattro decenni, noi continuiamo aportare avanti il lavoro iniziato da Patric e Don,edificando sulle basi stabilite dalla loro grandeimmaginazione e dedizione. Come loro, ciaffidiamo alla Fondazione Peter Moores e ai tantifedeli sostenitori, che comprendono i membridell’Associazione Opera Rara. Il loro sostegno ènotevolmente apprezzato, soprattutto alla lucedella presente congiuntura economica.

I nostri progetti correnti comprendonoambiziose registrazioni di alcune opere importati,create dal genio di grandissimi compositori, mache, per un motivo o per un altro, non hanno ancoraconquistato l’attenzione che meritano. Aureliano inPalmira fu uno dei primi successi di Rossini, ma solodi recente è stato ritenuto possibile superare ledifficoltà della sua partitura vocale; ci auguriamoche le sue qualità saranno dimostrate da artisticome Annick Massis, Silvia Tro Santafé e KennethTarver. Ermione di Rossini fu un disastrosofallimento durante la vita del compositore, e solo direcente è stata inclusa nel numero dei suoi

capolavori più avventurosi. La nostra registrazione,interpretata da due eccezionali giovani cantanti,Carmen Giannattasio e Colin Lee, insieme conPatricia Bardon e Paul Nilon, per la direzione diDavid Parry, punta a consolidare la reputazione diErmione presso gli ascoltatori moderni.

Ai suoi tempo Il pirata, una delle opere menonote di Bellini, suscitò entusiasmo a livellointernazionale. Noi siamo certi chel’interpretazione di David Parry e degli specialisti dibelcanto Carmen Giannattasio, José Bros e LudovicTézier otterrà lo stesso risultato riproponendoquesta versione operistica dell’eterno triangolo.

Molti tra i migliori melodrammi della maturità diDonizetti vengono ancora raramente rappresentati,per esempio Linda di Chamounix e Maria di Rohan,ma siamo d’accordo con gli esperti di Donizetti: sitratta di opere di grande qualità e noi desideriamosoprattutto restituirle al pubblico. Inoltre,nell’ambito della nostra serie Essential Opera Rara,presentiamo i momenti salienti de I Normanni aParigi, una grande opera del “perduto maestro”Mercadante.

Negli ultimi 40 anni abbiamo registrato operestraordinarie, come testimonia il nostro nuovo CD compilation dal titolo Celebrating 40 Years. Ci auguriamo che siano di vostro gradimento e checontinuerete la vostra approfondita esplorazionedel melodramma, alla ricerca di altri tesori daassaporare. In

trod

uzio

neIl

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DONIZETTI

Linda di ChamounixAND

Maria di Rohan

THIS SEMISERIA OPERA WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SUCCESSES OF

DONIZETTI’S CAREER

LIVE RECORDING FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE,

COVENT GARDENRECORDING MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE

GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE PETER MOORESFOUNDATION AND PHILANTHROPISTS

TRIFON AND THESPINA NATSIS

ORC43 (3CD) AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2011

DONIZETTI CLAIMS HIS POSITION AS ONE OF THE 19TH CENTURY’S

GREATEST MUSICAL DRAMATISTSWITH THIS OPERA SET IN THE TIME

OF CARDINAL RICHELIEU

STUDIO RECORDING FROM THE NEW CRITICAL EDITION

OF THE SCORE

ORC44 (2CD) AVAILABLE MAY 2011

12

Visit the Opera Rara website

to purchase any Opera Rara and Opera Rara Direct recordings

S E C U R E O N L I N E O R D E R I N G

www.opera-rara.com

SPECIAL OFFER!First-time online purchasersreceive a free CD:Cross & Crescent

Learn more about Opera Rara, its artists,composers, events and how to support us. Listen to sound clips before purchasing

B E L L I N I 1 8 0 1 - 1 8 3 5

José

Bro

s, Gu

altie

ro in

Bel

lini's

Il p

irata

The third opera by the 27-year-old Sicilian Vincenzo Bellini, Il pirata marked an importantstep forward in his career. His first score written for thebrand leader of Italian operahouses, La Scala, Milan, it also

represented his first collaboration with FeliceRomani, the leading librettist of the day – whowould become his regular artistic partner. It wasalso the first of Bellini’s works to reach aninternational audience. After its premiere in 1827,it soon went on to win acclaim in Vienna, Dresden,Paris, London and New York. Its comparativeneglect in our day is inexplicable, but Opera Rarahopes to rectify the situation with this all-starstudio recording. Based (via a French translation)on an English play by the Anglo-Irish Gothic writerCharles Maturin, Il pirata describes how Gualtiero(José Bros) is shipwrecked during a storm on theSicilian coast, where his former love Imogene(Carmen Giannattasio) has been forced into an

Piracy on the high Cs

LA STRANIERAPatrizia Ciofi, Mark Stone, Darío Schmunck, Enkelejda Shkosa, Graeme Broadbent, Roland Wood,Aled Hall, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London PhilharmonicOrchestra, David Parry – conductorFirst staged at La Scala in1829, this neglectedmasterpiece is now available in Opera Rara’s studio recording.

‘Musically rich and dramatically imposing’ – Dominic McHugh, MusicalCriticism.com

B E L L I N I

7 92938 00382 5ORC38 (2 disc set)

The Gramophone Aw

ards Short List 2009

Best of the Year – Opera News

/Disc of the M

onth – Opera

www.opera-rara.com 13

ORC45 (2 disc set)AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2011

IL PIRATACarmen Giannattasio, José Bros, Ludovic Tézier, Victoria Simmonds, Mark Le Brocq, Brindley Sherratt,Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra,David Parry – conductor

unwilling marriage by Ernesto, the local duke(Ludovic Tézier). Tensions build between the threeuntil Gualtiero kills Ernesto in a duel, causingImogene to go mad with guilt. David Parryconducts this exceptional example of earlyRomantic opera at its most dramatically potent.

★★★


ORC43 (3 disc set)AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2011

D O N I Z E T T I 1 7 9 7 – 1 8 4 8

LINDA DI CHAMOUNIXEglise Gutiérrez, Ludovic Tézier, Stephen Costello,Alessandro Corbelli, Mariana Pizzolato, Bálint Szabó,Elizabeth Sikora, Luciano Botelho, Orchestra and Chorusof the Royal Opera House, Sir Mark Elder – conductor

Eglis

e Gu

tiérr

ez re

hear

sing

at t

he R

oyal

Ope

ra H

ouse

for D

oniz

etti’

s Lin

da d

i Cha

mou

nix One of the biggest successes of

Donizetti’s career, Linda diChamounix was performed allover the operatic world in thedecades following its 1842premiere in Vienna, but then fellinto neglect; the live concert

performances recorded by Opera Rara at CoventGarden in 2009 were its first there since 1887. Thisopera is one of Donizetti’s finest achievements,featuring some of his best arias, ensembles andchoruses – including the brilliant sopranoshowpiece ‘O luce di quest’anima’; in this semiseriaopera this much-admired aria is sung by Linda(Eglise Gutiérrez), who has fallen in love with Carlo(Stephen Costello) believing him to be a painter,though he is in reality a nobleman. Packed off toParis to stop her falling into the clutches of Carlo’suncle, the dubious Marchese de Boisfleury(Alessandro Corbelli), Linda is discovered incompromising circumstances by her father Antonio(Ludovic Tézier), who curses her, causing her to loseher reason. Supported by the loyal Pierotto

AVictorianheroine rescuedat last

(Marianna Pizzolato), Linda returns to Chamounixand sanity – and, eventually, to the arms of theman she loves: the very model of a Victorianheroine rescued at last. Sir Mark Elder conductsthe recent critical edition of the score.

‘The cast were flawless’ – Neil Fisher, The Times,(reviewing the concert performance)


D O N I Z E T T ID O N I Z E T T I

DOM SÉBASTIEN, ROI DE PORTUGALVesselina Kasarova, Giuseppe Filianoti, Alastair Miles,Simon Keenlyside, Carmelo Corrado Caruso, Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Sir Mark Elder – conductorDonizetti’s final opera, a dark five-actmasterpiece, is brought brilliantly to life in thislive recording from the Royal Opera House – with the complete ballet music.

‘One of the most important Donizetti releases of recent years’ – George Hall, Opera Now

7 92938 00292 7ORC29 (1disc set)

ELVIDAAnnick Massis, Bruce Ford, Jennifer Larmore, PietroSpagnoli, London Philharmonic Orchestra, GeoffreyMitchell Choir, Antonello Allemandi – conductorThis one-act melodrama, which Donizettiprovided for the birthday of Maria Isabella ofSpain, wife of Francesco I of Naples, would makea delightful present for anyone. The quartet 'Deh ti placa, Amur' is one of Donizetti's mostravishing ensembles.

‘One of the best casts that could be assembledtoday’ – CultureKiosque.com

7 92938 00332 0ORC33 (3 disc set)

The Gramophone Aw

ards Finalist 2007

Disc of the Month – Opera

/ 50th Gramm

y Awards Nom

ination

★★★

The Best of the Year –Opera News

16

ORC44 (2 disc set)AVAILABLE MAY 2011

D O N I Z E T T I

MARIA DI ROHANKrassimira Stoyanova, José Bros, Christopher Purves, Loïc Félix, Enkelejda Shkosa, Brindley Sherratt, GraemeBroadbent, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sir Mark Elder – conductor

Kras

sim

ira S

toya

nova

reco

rdin

g Do

nize

tti’s

Mar

ia d

i Roh

an According to the late Donizettiexpert William Ashbrook, Maria di Rohan (1843) is thecomposer‘s ‘tautest, mostmelodramatic opera’ andshows him ‘in complete controlof his musico-dramatic goals’.

The work was first performed in Vienna, butDonizetti revised it for its Paris premiere,changing the tenor role of Armando di Gondì tomezzo-soprano. Working from the new criticaledition of the score, with the period-instrumentOrchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under SirMark Elder, Opera Rara has recorded the originalVienna (June 1843) two tenor version as well assome of the appendices from the Paris (November1843) revision, including those written for themezzo-soprano, sung here by Enkelejda Shkosa.Set during the time of Cardinal Richelieu, theopera focuses on Maria (Krassimira Stoyanova),secretly married to Ricardo, Duke of Chevreuse(José Bros), who has wounded the Cardinal’snephew in a duel. In seeking assistance for herhusband’s plight from Enrico, Count of Chalais

A duel inthe time ofRichelieu

(Christopher Purves), Maria finds her former lovefor the latter revived. The rest of the opera centreson how this intricate and explosive triangle ofrelationships plays out. As a handful of recentproductions have demonstrated, the work showsDonizetti rightly claiming his position as one ofthe 19th century’s greatest musical dramatists.

www.opera-rara.com



EMILIA DI LIVERPOOLYvonne Kenny, Sesto Bruscantini, Chris Merritt, Geoffrey Dolton, Philharmonia Orchestra, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, David Parry – conductorDonizetti actually wrote two versions of thisdelightful opera for Naples. The original wasgiven in 1824 and a completely reworkedrevision was presented in 1828. Opera Rara offers both operas in one boxed set.

‘The work has charm and wild improbability in equal proportion’– John Higgins, The Times

7 92938 00282 8ORC28 (1disc set)

FRANCESCA DI FOIXAnnick Massis, Jennifer Larmore, Bruce Ford, AlfonsoAntoniozzi, London Philharmonic Orchestra, GeoffreyMitchell Choir, Antonello Allemandi – conductorIn1831 a one-act opera had little chance ofsurvival after the first performances, and thisopera was destined to remain on the shelf – thatis, until Opera Rara came to her rescue. Now thebeauties of this charming score can once againbe enjoyed by one and all.One of the Hundred Outstanding Recordings inthe Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs

7 92938 00082 4ORC8 (3 disc set)

Music Retailers Association Aw

ard of Excellence

❂

❂★★★

www.opera-rara.com


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GABRIELLA DI VERGYLudmilla Andrew, Maurice Arthur, John Tomlinson,Christian du Plessis, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Alun Francis – conductorThe world premiere of a Donizetti opera! The manuscript for this hitherto unknown work was discovered in a London library. The recording also offers three pieces from Donizetti’s earlier version of1826.

‘It makes one wonder how this inventive scorecould have been neglected for so long’ – Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs

7 92938 00312 2ORC31 (2 disc set)

IL DILUVIO UNIVERSALEMirco Palazzi, Majella Cullagh, Manuela Custer, SimonBailey, Colin Lee, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra, Giuliano Carella – conductor This landmark recording, of the first ofDonizetti’s great ensemble operas, tells thebiblical story of Noah, ending spectacularly asthe world is submerged and only the Ark is leftriding out the waves.

‘No Donizettian will want to miss this’ – Hugh Canning, Sunday Times

7 92938 00032 9

Opera Choice – BBC Music M

agazine

★★★ ❂

ORC3 (2 disc set)

www.opera-rara.com


ORC36 (2 disc set)

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IMELDA DE’ LAMBERTAZZINicole Cabell, James Westman, Massimo Giordano, Frank Lopardo, Brindley Sherratt, Geoffrey MitchellChoir, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sir Mark Elder – conductorComposed in 1830 for the Teatro San Carlo inNaples, this proves to be one of Donizetti’s most brilliant, thrilling, revolutionary anddynamic scores.

‘Triumph of bel canto’– Warren Keith Wright, Opera

7 92938 00192 0

LA ROMANZESCA E L’UOMO NEROElisabetta Scano, Bruno Praticò, Alfonso Antoniozzi,Pietro Spagnoli, Bruce Ford, Paul Austin Kelly, Academyof St Martin in the Fields, David Parry – conductor Donizetti’s rarest one-act farce, written forNaples, concerns the antics of Antonia. To theexasperation of her father and various suitors,she spurns marriage in favour of her obsessionwith the new fad for ’romanticism.‘

‘A real discovery and a wholly enjoyable disc’– Richard Law, Opera

7 92938 00362 7

Critics’ Choice –American Record Guide

BBC Music M

agazineAw

ard Nomination

❂

ORC19 (1 disc set)

L’ASSEDIO DI CALAISNuccia Focile, Della Jones, Christian du Plessis, Rico Serbo, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, PhilharmoniaOrchestra, David Parry – conductorThe first performance in150 years of an operaconsidered to be Donizetti’s most interesting and forward-looking work. As a result of thisrecording, staged revivals have been given inItaly, England and Ireland.

‘One of the most invigorating of all the completeopera recordings made over the years by thisenterprising organisation’– Penguin CD & DVD Guide

7 92938 00162 3ORC16 (2 disc set)

MARIA DE RUDENZNelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Robert McFarland,Regina Nathan, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorAn opera in which the soprano dies twice! Yet Cammarano’s grisly libretto is given some of Donizetti’s most beautiful music. The role of Maria is a gift for a soprano, particularly the gripping final scene.

‘The blood and thunder ensembles and duetscreate a rip-roaring bel canto feast’ – The San Francisco Tribune

7 92938 00092 3ORC9 (2 disc set)

★★★ ❂





MARIA PADILLALois McDonall, Christian du Plessis, Graham Clark, Della Jones, London Symphony Orchestra, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Alun Francis – conductorA fascinating work, telling the story of MariaPadilla, mistress of Pedro the Cruel of Castile.Maria's duet with her sister became a famousconcert piece, but perhaps the most unusualfeature is the mad scene for Maria's father – a tenor!

‘A fascinating and valuable recording’ – The New York Times

7 92938 00042 8ORC4 (1disc set)

NE M’OUBLIEZ PASMargreta Elkins, Alexander Oliver, Christian du Plessis,Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, James Judd – conductorThis opéra-comique is unfinished – only fivepieces exist. Opera Rara has recorded all of them– plus arias from Gianni di Parigi, Il diluviouniversale, Dom Sébastien and Imelda de’Lambertazzi.

‘Elkins is in superb form, superbly recorded’ – David Gyger, Opera Australasia

7 92938 00062 6ORC6 (3 disc set)

❂

★★★ ❂

www.opera-rara.com


22

PARISINACarmen Giannattasio, José Bros, Dario Solari, NicolaUlivieri, Ann Taylor, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThis major new studio recording of Donizetti’sneglected opera revives one of his darkesttragedies.

‘A superior Parisina performance makes this recording the new front-runner’ – Mike Ashman, Gramophone

7 92938 00302 3ORC30 (3 disc set)

PIA DE’ TOLOMEIMajella Cullagh, Bruce Ford, Roberto Servile, ManuelaCuster, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London PhilharmonicOrchestra, David Parry – conductorPia de’ Tolomei appears for the first time oncompact disc in a new critical edition thatincludes all of Donizetti’s extensive revisions for later perform ances, including both tragic and happy endings.

‘Bravo to Opera Rara’ – Christopher Cook, BBC Music Magazine

ORC40 (3 disc set)

Editor’s Choice – Gramophone

www.opera-rara.com


23

ROBERTO DEVEREUXNelly Miricioiu, José Bros, Sonia Ganassi, Roberto Frontali, Orchestra and Chorus of the RoyalOpera House, Maurizio Benini – conductorThis is Donizetti’s third – and strongest – portraitof Elizabeth I, and Nelly Miricioiu seizes the rolewith magisterial ferocity, supported by anexcellent cast. Recorded live at the Royal OperaHouse, Covent Garden.

‘The ever-enterprising Opera Rara sweeps theboard with this new recording’– Penguin CD and DVD Guide

7 92938 00132 6ORC13 (2 disc set)

ROSMONDA D’INGHILTERRA Renée Fleming, Nelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Alastair Miles, Diana Montague, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorSoprano rivals battle for the love of Henry II of England in this setting of the Legend of FairRosamund. In a blazing final duet, the jealousQueen Eleanor kills Rosmonda.

‘The performance could hardly be improved’ – John Steane, Gramophone

7 92938 00242 2ORC24 (2 disc set)

Prix Caecelia

Recomm

ended – The Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide

★★★

UGO CONTE DI PARIGIJanet Price, Yvonne Kenny, Della Jones, Maurice Arthur,Eiddwen Harrhy, Christian du Plessis, Geoffrey MitchellChoir, Philharmonia Orchestra, Alun Francis – conductor

An opera with three sopranos! Some of Donizetti’s most energetic and inspired vocalwriting is on show, particularly in the manybeautiful and intricate ensembles.

‘An irresistible addition to Opera Rara’scollection’ – Frank Granville-Barker, Records and Recordings

ORC17 (4 disc set)

ZORAIDA DI GRANATA Bruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, Diana Montague, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Academy of St Martin in theFields, David Parry – conductor Although it was Donizetti’s first theatricalsuccess, the original version of this 1822 operawas never given a complete performance. Here isthe entire opera for the first time – together withselections from the 1824 version.

‘A major discovery’– Michael Oliver, Classic FM Magazine

ORC1 (3 disc set)

Recomm

ended by Classica

★★★ ❂

www.opera-rara.com

★★★ ❂

24

7 92938 00012 1 7 92938 00172 2




DELLA JONES SINGS DONIZETTIWith Eiddwen Harrhy, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, PhilharmoniaOrchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, David Parry and Alun Francis – conductorsA bel canto treat, including pieces from MariaPadilla, Alfredo il Grande, Francesca di Foix, Ugoconte di Parigi, Enrico di Borgogna, Gabriella diVergy and L’assedio di Calais.

‘Della Jones brings an attractively warm vocaltimbre and a superb coloratura technique toevery piece’ – Charles Osborne, BBC Music Magazine

7 92938 02072 3ORR207 (1disc set)

DONIZETTISCENES & OVERTURESNelly Miricioiu, Rockwell Blake, Garry Magee, Majella Cullagh, Sara Fulgoni, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorIncludes previously unknown material fromAnna Bolena and Caterina Cornaro as well asselections from Marino Faliero, Maria di Rohan,Gianni da Calais, Maria Stuarda, Parisina, Ugoconte di Parigi and L’ajo nell’ imbarazzo.

‘Captivating from the first to last moments’ – Michel Parouty, Diapason

7 92938 02032 7ORR203 (1disc set)

Recomm

ended by Classica

Diapason d’Or / Opera Pick of the Month – BBC M

usic Magazine

www.opera-rara.com


26

DONIZETTI DIVASWith Nelly Miricioiu, Renée Fleming, Yvonne Kenny, Ludmilla Andrew, Eiddwen Harrhy, Majella Cullagh, Diana Montague, Della Jones, Nuccia FocileOpera Rara celebrates the work of somewonderful ladies in its unusual Donizetti revivals.Selections from Maria de Rudenz, Gabriella diVergy, Ugo conte di Parigi, Emilia di Liverpool,Alfredo il Grande, Rosmonda d’Inghilterra andMaria Padilla.

‘An outstanding disc of Donizetti rarities’– John Steane, Gramophone

7 92938 02142 3

ORR214 (1disc set)RE-RELEASED MAY 2010

RENÉE FLEMING: DONIZETTIROSMONDA D’INGHILTERRAWith Bruce Ford, Nelly Miricioiu, Alastair Miles, Diana Montague, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThe sensational world-class American sopranodemonstrates her acclaimed skills as a superbDonizettian. One of the best of the composer’sneglected operas.

’One of the most lovely voices to be heard in our time’– John Steane (reviewing this recording), Gramophone

7 92938 02132 4ORR213 (1disc set)

★★★

www.opera-rara.com

M A Y R 1 7 6 3 - 1 8 4 5D O N I Z E T T I

27

THE YOUNG DONIZETTIBruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, Diana Montague, Jennifer Larmore, Annick Massis, Yvonne Kenny, Della Jones, Paul Austin Kelly, David Parry – conductorThis selection of music taken from Donizetti'searlier works – up to Anna Bolena (1830), whichmarked the beginning of his international career– gives the listener a surprising new view of theyoung composer perfecting his craft.

‘With such outstanding bel canto artists, one could hardly go wrong’ – American Record Guide

7 92938 00232 3ORC23 (3 disc set)

GINEVRA DI SCOZIAElizabeth Vidal, Daniela Barcellona, Antonino Siragusa,Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Lirico ‘Giuseppe Verdi’ Trieste, Tiziano Severini – conductorGinevra di Scozia opened the opera house inTrieste in 1801. Two hundred years later a revivalwas staged to commemorate the opening andOpera Rara was there to capture it on disc.Astonishing vocalism serves Mayr’s opera well.

‘Elizabeth Vidal is spectacular, DanielaBarcellona’s tone gloriously rich and firm’– Penguin CD and DVD Guide

7 92938 02292 5ORR229 (1disc set)

Classical CD of the Week – The Guardian

❂

MEDEA IN CORINTOJane Eaglen, Bruce Ford, Yvonne Kenny, Raúl Giménez,Alastair Miles, Paul Nilon, Anne Mason, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThe masterpiece of Donizetti’s illustrious teacher,Mayr. The title role is one of the most dramaticvehicles to be written for Isabella Colbran,Rossini’s wife and the first Semiramide.

‘Jane Eaglen meets the florid demands of thistitle role head on’– George Hall, Opera Now

7 92938 02152 2ORR215 (1disc set)

JANE EAGLEN SINGS MEDEA IN CORINTOWith Bruce Ford, Yvonne Kenny, Alastair Miles, Raúl Giménez, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThe British soprano Jane Eaglen has been hailedin Europe and America as a great Wagnerianspecialist. Here she does a complete stylisticturnaround, displaying the full force of herimpressive bel canto skills.

‘Jane Eaglen’s voice is revealed here at itsfreshest and firmest’ – Penguin CD and DVD Guide

7 92938 00112 8ORC11 (3 disc set)


ard for Excellence

Diapason d’Or / Record of the Month – Opera Now


M A Y RM A Y R


M E R C A D A N T E 1 7 9 5 – 1 8 7 0M A Y R

MAYR REDISCOVEREDDaniela Barcellona, Bruce Ford, Eiddwen Harrhy, Della Jones, Yvonne Kenny, Diana Montague, Antonino Siragusa, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductor Mayr composed over 60 operas between1794and1824. His works explore characters'psychology with deeply satisfyingthoughtfulness, as this absorbing selection ofexcerpts demonstrates.

‘Another encyclopaedia entry springs into life at Opera Rara’s loving touch’– Warren Keith Wright, Opera

7 92938 00262 0ORC26 (3 disc set)

EMMA D’ANTIOCHIANelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Roberto Servile, Maria Costanza Nocentini, Colin Lee,Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London PhilharmonicOrchestra, David Parry – conductorThe story of a passionate love affair that disrupts the lives of four people inspired one of Mercadante’s most beautiful scores. Vocal and orchestral effects abound as the plot works its way to the heroine’s suicide.

‘Thrilling’ – Classic FM Magazine

7 92938 02442 4ORR244 (1disc set)

❂

www.opera-rara.com

M E R C A D A N T EM E R C A D A N T E

30

ORAZI E CURIAZINelly Miricioiu, Marcus Jerome, Anthony Michaels-Moore, Alastair Miles, Paul Nilon, Geoffrey MitchellChoir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry –conductorIn ancient Rome, a feud between two noblefamilies erupts in violence. Mercadante’scomplex and demanding vocal and orchestralwriting brings this classical tragedy vividly to life.

‘Impeccably performed, recorded and documented’ – David Gyger, Opera Australasia

ORC39 (2 disc set)

VIRGINIASusan Patterson, Paul Charles Clarke, CharlesCastronovo, Stefano Antonucci, Andrew Foster-Williams, Mark Le Brocq, Katherine Manley, GeoffreyMitchell Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Maurizio Benini – conductorThis opera tells a grand tale of injustice, braveryand desperation in ancient Rome. Premiered atthe Teatro San Carlo in 1866.

‘The energy and passion are infectious’ – Fiona Maddocks, The Observer

7 92938 00122 7ORC12 (3 disc set)

4 Etoiles de Classica / Critic’s Choice – Opera News

CD of the Week – The Observer

❂

www.opera-rara.com

M E R C A D A N T EM E R C A D A N T E

31

MERCADANTE REDISCOVEREDNelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, Alastair Miles, William Matteuzzi, Yvonne Kenny, David Harper – piano, David Parry – conductor With selections from Virginia, Orazi e Curiazi,Gabriella di Vergy, Zaira, Emma d’Antiochiaand Les Soirées Italiennes, this is the perfectintroduction to Mercadante’s music.

‘This CD is filled with wonderful singing ofmusic by a fascinating composer’ – Robert Levine, International Record Review

7 92938 02362 5ORR236 (1disc set)

PAVENTA INSANO – Pacini andMercadante, Arias and EnsemblesAnnick Massis, Bruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, Kenneth Tarver, Laura Polverelli, Alan Opie, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London PhilharmonicOrchestra, David Parry – conductorA glimpse into the operatic worlds of Pacini andMercadante, featuring scenes from Virginia, Il corsaro, I Normanni a Parigi, Stella di Napoli, Il contestabile di Chester and Leonora.

'White-hot emotions leap from these generousfragments of operas’- Andrew Stewart, Classic FM

7 92938 02262 8ORR226 (1disc set)

DINORAHDeborah Cook, Christian du Plessis, Alexander Oliver, Della Jones, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, James Judd – conductorTransparent orchestral textures and dizzyingvocal gymnastics feature strongly in this delightful story of a lost treasure, a mad heroineand her goat! The opera was a favourite of thediva Adelina Patti.

‘A fascinating recording’ – Peter Davis, New York Times

7 92938 00102 9ORC10 (4 disc set)

IL CROCIATO IN EGITTODiana Montague, Bruce Ford, Yvonne Kenny, DellaJones, Ugo Benelli, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, RoyalPhilharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductorMeyerbeer’s elaborate use of vocal andorchestral forces is unique in the development of 19th-century opera. Opera Rara’s editionfeatures all the music written for productions the composer supervised.

‘The key to Meyerbeer’– Ronald Crichton, Opera

7 92938 00052 7ORC5 (3 disc set)

Recomm


❂


M E Y E R B E E RM E Y E R B E E R 1 7 9 1 – 1 8 6 4

★★★ ❂


M E Y E R B E E RM E Y E R B E E R

MARGHERITA D’ANJOUAnnick Massis, Bruce Ford, Daniela Barcellona, Alastair Miles, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductorWas Meyerbeer really a Rossini imitator? Or did he take operatic conventions apart and rebuildthem his way? Here is where to find out. In this, the fourth of Meyerbeer’s Italian operas,astonishing vocalism dominates a score filled with brilliant orchestral effects.

‘Annick Massis has an almost superhumanability to sing coloratura’ – Robert Thicknesse, The Times

7 92938 02222 2ORR222 (1disc set)

MEYERBEER IN ITALYBruce Ford, Yvonne Kenny, Alastair Miles, DianaMontague, Della Jones, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductorMeyerbeer is remembered chiefly for his Frenchgrand operas, but it was his Italian operas that gothim to France in the first place. These are the ‘hits’ – the arias and ensembles from his sixItalian operas which charmed the public most.

‘A composer of real dramatic flair and musicalinventiveness’ – David Cairns (reviewing this recording), Sunday Times

7 92938 00252 1ORC25 (3 disc set)

CD of the Week – The Observer

The Gramophone Aw

ards Nomination 2004

❂


MOZARTTHE SUPREME DECORATORDiana Montague, Elizabeth Futral, Majella Cullagh, The Hanover Band, Sir Charles Mackerras – conductorThis recording shows how Mozart ornamentedhis own music to heighten the expressiveness orthe brilliance of an aria – and how he turned hisborrowings from JC Bach into some of his mostdivine inspirations.

‘Majella Cullagh and Elizabeth Futral brilliantlyconfront the challenges of the music’ – Raúl González Arévalo, Mundoclasico.com

7 92938 02322 9ORR232 (1disc set)

The mail-order specialist for rare recordings

Secure online ordering for allOpera Rara and

Opera Rara Direct recordings

Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 2858 or Fax: +44 (0)20 7613 2261Email: [email protected]

www.opera-rara.com

M O Z A R T 1 7 5 6 – 1 7 9 1


O F F E N B A C H 1 8 1 9 – 1 8 8 0

The word inexhaustible mighthave been coined to describe the prolific creativity of JacquesOffenbach, who effectivelycreated the new genre ofoperetta in Paris in the mid-19thcentury. Opera Rara’s association

with his music goes back a long way, to thecompany’s revival of his1867 opéra-comiqueRobinson Crusoe (ORC7), and the creation of anew piece, Christopher Columbus (ORC2), with a libretto by Don White, drawing on a host of the master’s scores. In 2007 we resumed ourexploration of the huge output of the ‘Mozart ofthe Champs-Élysées’ with Entre Nous (ORR243), a collection of excerpts from more than 20 of hislesser-known scores. Now our new releasepresents a complete recording of the delectableVert-Vert, the follow-up to Robinson Crusoe atthe Opéra Comique and one of no fewer than five stage works the composer produced in1869 alone! Toby Spence, who starred in ENO’sscintillating La Belle Hélène, takes the role of

Toby

Spe

nce

rehe

arsi

ng fo

r Off

enba

ch’s

Vert

-Ver

tthe charming young man who is nicknamed Vert-Vert after the deceased favourite parrot of the pupils at a girls’ boarding-school.Jennifer Larmore is the exotic singer La Corillain this witty, sophisticated and subtle piece. It is sure to enchant all Offenbach fans.

ORC41 (2 disc set)AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2010

VERT-VERTThora Einarsdottir, Ann Taylor, Lucy Crowe, Toby Spence,Mark Le Brocq, Mark Stone, Anne-Marie Owens, FranckLeguérinel, Loïc Félix, Jennifer Larmore, Sébastien Droy,Franck Lopez, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, PhilharmoniaOrchestra, David Parry – conductor

The dead parrotflies again

❂


O F F E N B A C HO F F E N B A C H

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUSMaurice Arthur, Anna Dawson, Marilyn Hill Smith, Alan Opie, Christian du Plessis, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,London Mozart Players, Alun Francis – conductorA joyful and infectious pastiche that marries some of Offenbach’s best music with Opera Raraco-founder Don White’s witty and irreverentEnglish version of the discovery of America.

‘A complete delight’ – Peter Davis, New York Times

7 92938 00072 5ORC7 (3 disc set)

ROBINSON CRUSOEJohn Brecknock, Yvonne Kenny, Marilyn Hill Smith,Alexander Oliver, Sandra Browne, Geoffrey MitchellChoir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Alun Francis – conductorRobinson Crusoe and friends have to face drunken pirates and waltzing cannibals as they try to get back home. Don White’s excellentEnglish version is superbly sung by a strong cast.

‘Yvonne Kenny and John Brecknock areoutstanding’– Penguin CD & DVD Guide

7 92938 00022 0ORC2 (2 disc set)

❂

❂★★★


P A C I N I 1 7 9 6 - 1 8 6 7O F F E N B A C H

ENTRE NOUS: CELEBRATING OFFENBACHLaura Claycomb, Elizabeth Vidal, Colin Lee, Yvonne Kenny, Jennifer Larmore, Alastair Miles,Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London PhilharmonicOrchestra, David Parry – conductorA magnificent line-up of singers offers us atreasure-trove of enchanting rarities from lesser-known operas by the ‘Mozart of theChamps-Élysées’, Jacques Offenbach.

‘Outstanding’ – The Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide

7 92938 00352 8ORC35 (3 disc set)

ALESSANDRO NELL’INDIEBruce Ford, Jennifer Larmore, Laura Claycomb, DeanRobinson, Mark Wilde, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductorPremiered in Naples in 1824, Pacini’s splendidAlessandro nell’Indie tells the story of Alexanderthe Great’s campaign in India, of his defeat of theIndian king Poro and of his infatuation with anIndian queen, Cleofide.

‘Bel canto fans wanting something new oughtto snap this one up immediately’– Stephen Francis Vasta, Opera News

7 92938 02432 5ORR243 (2 disc set)

Critic’s Choice – Opera News

Best of the Year – Opera News

Outstanding – BBC Music M

agazine

Critics’ Choice – Gramophone

❂★★★

❂

www.opera-rara.com

P A C I N IP A C I N I

38

CARLO DI BORGOGNABruce Ford, Jennifer Larmore, Elizabeth Futral, RobertoFrontali, Garry Magee, Academy of St Martin in theFields, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, David Parry – conductorA completely forgotten opera proves to be a gem,with a wonderful melodramatic plot and nearlythree hours of Pacini's most effective vocalwriting. The many arias, duets and trios provide ahighly entertaining vehicle for this splendid cast.

‘Any lover of Italian opera will find thisrecording an absolutely essential purchase’– American Record Guide

7 92938 00152 4ORC15 (3 disc set)

MARIA REGINA D’INGHILTERRANelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Mary Plazas,José Fardilha, Alastair Miles, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThis fascinating opera dates from Pacini’s richest and most mature period. Victor Hugo’spassionate play about Mary Tudor providesample opportunity for music that is at oncedramatic yet compellingly lyrical.

‘Listeners are likely to find themselves playingstraight through from start to finish’ – John Steane, Gramophone

7 92938 00212 5ORC21 (3 disc set)

Discovery of the Month – Classic FM

Magazine

Recomm

ended by Classica

Recomm

ended –The Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide

Recomm

ended by Classica❂

★★★❂

www.opera-rara.com

P A C I N IP A C I N I

39

PACINI REDISCOVEREDAnnick Massis, Jennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh,William Matteuzzi, Bruce Ford, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorMusic of magical enchantment and lyricalbeauty is revealed on this inspiring collection.

‘A hugely enjoyable disc’– John Allison, BBC Music Magazine

7 92938 02362 5ORR236 (1disc set)

PAVENTA INSANO – Pacini andMercadante, Arias and EnsemblesAnnick Massis, Bruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, Kenneth Tarver, Laura Polverelli, Alan Opie, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London PhilharmonicOrchestra, David Parry – conductorA glimpse into the operatic worlds of Pacini andMercadante, featuring scenes from Virginia, Il corsaro, I Normanni a Parigi, Stella di Napoli, Il contestabile di Chester and Leonora.

'White-hot emotions leap from these generousfragments of operas’- Andrew Stewart, Classic FM

ORR238 (1disc set)

40

masterpiece. Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, the opera’s novelties begin with an overture interrupted by a choral lament ofTrojan prisoners. Tension and staggeringoriginality are maintained right to the very end.‘Carmen Giannattasio’s performance was a triumph’ – Geoff Brown, The Times(reviewing the concert performance)

ORC42 (2 disc set)AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2010

R O S S I N I 1 7 9 2 - 1 8 6 8

ERMIONECarmen Giannattasio, Colin Lee, Patricia Bardon, Paul Nilon,Loïc Félix, Bülent Bezdüz, Graeme Broadbent, RebeccaBottone, Victoria Simmonds, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,London Philharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductor

Carm

en G

iann

atta

sio

rehe

arsi

ng R

ossi

ni’s

Erm

ione During the years from 1815 to

1822 when his career centredon Naples, Rossini composed a sequence of works for theTeatro San Carlo, which atthat time boasted anoutstanding orchestra and

a company of resident singers that was theleading ensemble available anywhere. A stringof masterpieces resulted, including such worksas Elisabetta, regina d’Inghilterra, Otello,Ricciardo e Zoraide and La donna del lago (allfeaturing in Opera Rara’s catalogue). One opera,however, failed spectacularly: Ermione wasreceived with incomprehension at its soleperformance in 1819 and was never revived inRossini’s lifetime. The composer was resigned:‘It is my little Guillaume Tell in Italian,’ he said,‘and will not see the light of day until after mydeath.’ Since its first stage revival in Pesaro in1987, Ermione has been recognised as a lost

www.opera-rara.com

Rage andferocity explodein Naples


R O S S I N IR O S S I N I

ADELAIDE DI BORGOGNAMajella Cullagh, Jennifer Larmore, Bruce Ford, Mirco Palazzi, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus,Giuliano Carella – conductorFlorid bravura writing, ravishing duets andpatriotic military choruses are all featured in thisglorious live recording from the 2005 EdinburghInternational Festival.

‘Show-stopping’ – Tim Ashley, The Guardian

7 92938 00202 6ORC20 (3 disc set)

BIANCA E FALLIEROJennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh, Barry Banks,Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,London Philharmonic Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThis opera, one of Rossini’s most sumptuous and ornate, was written for La Scala in 1819.Stylistically in complete contrast to the better-known Neapolitan works, it has receivedfew revivals.

‘Larmore gives one of her best recordedperformances’ – William R. Braun, Opera News

7 92938 00322 1ORC32 (2 disc set)

★★★

Editor’s Choice –Opera News

www.opera-rara.com

Alessandro Corbelli and Sir Mark Elder

Rebecca Bottone

42

Opera Rara at work…

Carmen Giannattasio

Thora Einarsdottir

Eglise Gutiérrez

Colin Lee and David ParryMaurizio Benini

Christopher Purves


Jennifer Larmore

Ludovic Tézier

Judith Howarth

Loïc Félix and Mark Le Brocq

Stuart Stratford

Stephen CostelloKrassimira Stoyanova

José Bros

44 www.opera-rara.com

ORC46 (2 disc set)AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2011

R O S S I N I

AURELIANO IN PALMIRAAnnick Massis, Silvia Tro Santafé, Kenneth Tarver,Andrew Foster-Williams, Ezgi Kutlu, Geoffrey MitchellChoir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Maurizio Benini – conductor

Mau

rizio

Ben

ini,

cond

ucto

r for

Ros

sini

's Au

relia

no in

Pal

mira One of Rossini’s rarest scores,

the dramma serio Aureliano inPalmira was written during hismiraculous 21st year (1813),when he produced four operasin all: the other three – thecomedies Il signor Bruschino

and L’italiana in Algeri, plus the tragedy Tancredi– indicate not only the amazing fertility of hisinventive powers but also the staggering qualityof his youthful writing. Even so, Rossini fans willrecognise the overture to Aureliano, which herecycled in three other scores, most notably Il barbiere di Siviglia! The opera is set in 272 AD in the ancient city of Palmyra (in modern Syria),where the queen, Zenobia (Annick Massis) andher lover, the Persian general Arsace (Silvia TroSantafé), are defeated in battle by the RomanEmperor Aureliano (Kenneth Tarver). Aurelianoagrees to free Arsace if Zenobia will give herselfto him, but she refuses. Eventually he is won overby the lovers’ devotion, and frees them when theypledge loyalty to Rome; but on the way to this

AnEmperorMoved byLove

happy ending there is plenty of extreme emotionto fire up some of Rossini’s most exciting vocalwriting. A success in its day, Aureliano promisesto thrill another generation of listeners in thisnew studio recording under Maurizio Benini.

ELISABETTA REGINA D’INGHILTERRAJennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh, Bruce Ford, Antonino Siragusa, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, LondonPhilharmonic Orchestra, Giuliano Carella – conductorWhat would Romantic opera have been withoutthe British nobility? This work was one of the firstof many on English royal subjects and was animmediate success. Rossini’s music is given thevery best treatment by Opera Rara’s starry team.

‘Marvellous ensembles beautifully performedby a strong cast led by Jennifer Larmore’ – Penguin CD & DVD Guide

ORC34 (3 disc set)

www.opera-rara.com


LA DONNA DEL LAGOCarmen Giannattasio, Patricia Bardon, Kenneth Tarver,Gregory Kunde, Mark Wilde, Robert Gleadow,Francesca Sassu, Edinburgh Festival Chorus, ScottishChamber Orchestra, Maurizio Benini – conductorLa donna del lago was not only the first Italianopera to be based on a work by Sir Walter Scott,it was also a milestone in the development ofRomanticism in Italian opera. Recorded live at the 2006 Edinburgh International Festival.

‘Carmen Giannattasio – a prima donna is born’– Andrew Clark, Financial Times

7 92938 00222 4ORC22 (3 disc set)

CD of the Week –Sunday Tim

es★★★

45

7 92938 00342 9

Recomm


OTELLOBruce Ford, Elizabeth Futral, William Matteuzzi,Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorOtello (1815) is one of the most innovative scorescomposed during Rossini’s Neapolitan period andcontains some of his most inspired music.Meyerbeer considered its third act ‘godlike’,praising its ‘impassioned recitatives and accompaniments full of vocal colour’.

‘Bruce Ford reveals himself as a Rossinian without equal today’ – Hugh Canning, Sunday Times

7 92938 00142 5ORC14 (3 disc set)

www.opera-rara.com

RICCIARDO E ZORAIDENelly Miricioiu, William Matteuzzi, Bruce Ford, Della Jones, Alastair Miles, Paul Nilon, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, David Parry – conductorThis serious opera demonstrates the originality of mind that made Rossini the outstandingfigure of his age.

‘An exemplary performance’ – Alan Blythe, The Daily Telegraph

7 92938 00182 1ORC18 (3 disc set)

Record of the Week – Sunday Tim

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ZELMIRAElizabeth Futral, Bruce Ford, Antonino Siragusa, Manuela Custer, Scottish Chamber Orchestra andChorus, Maurizio Benini – conductorComposed in 1822, this is the ninth and last ofRossini’s Neapolitan operas. Beautiful melodies are matched by inventive harmony and skilledorchestral writing. Presented live at theEdinburgh International Festival, this is the first complete recording of the opera. ‘I was throughout on the edge of my seatlistening to this one’ – Rodney Milnes, Opera

ORR204 (1disc set)

ROSSINI – THREE TENORSBruce Ford, William Matteuzzi, Paul Austin Kelly, Nelly Miricioiu, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThree distinguished Rossini Tenors (with a specialappearance by Nelly Miricioiu) combine forces in nine duets and trios from Otello, Ricciardo eZoraide, Armida and La donna del lago.

‘One comes away from this recital, not bored or sated, but thrilled and satisfied’– The Gramophone Classical Good CD Guide

7 92938 00272 9ORC27 (3 disc set)

Classical CD of the Week –Sunday Tim

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The Best of the Year –Opera News



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Record of the Week – Sunday Tim

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NELLY MIRICIOIU –ROSSINI GALAWith Bruce Ford, Enkelejda Shkosa, Alastair Miles, Barry Banks, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, David Parry – conductorThe Romanian soprano has established herself as one of the chief exponents of the bel cantoschool today. Here she offers excerpts fromRossini’s serious operas, including Armida, Mosè in Egitto, Zelmira and Vallace.

‘A brilliant recording’ – Penguin CD & DVD Guide

7 92938 02182 9ORR218 (1disc set)

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BRUCE FORD –SERIOUS ROSSINI With Nelly Miricioiu, Elizabeth Futral, Della Jones, BarryBanks, Paul Austin Kelly, William Matteuzzi, GeoffreyMitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, David Parry – conductorAs one of the foremost Rossinians of hisgeneration, Bruce Ford displays a near-perfecttechnique in selections from four of thecomposer’s Neapolitan operas.

‘A superior kind of compilation’ – Hugh Canning, Sunday Times

7 92938 02112 6ORR211 (1disc set)

Opera Pick of the Month – BBC M

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LA COUR DE CÉLIMÈNELaura Claycomb, Alastair Miles, Joan Rodgers, Sébastien Droy, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, Andrew Litton – conductorOpera Rara rediscovers the art of AmbroiseThomas with a world premiere recording of this1855 opéra-comique. Set in1750 in a château near Paris, the opera centres on ayoung widowed Countess who has no fewer than14 suitors.

‘This is one of Opera Rara’s best!’– Charles H. Parsons, American Record Guide

www.opera-rara.com

V E R D I 1 8 1 3 – 1 9 0 1T H O M A S 1 8 1 1 – 1 8 9 6

MACBETHPeter Glossop, Rita Hunter, John Tomlinson, Kenneth Collins, Ludmilla Andrew, Christian du Plessis,BBC Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra, John Matheson – conductorThis is the first in the Verdi Originals series fromthe BBC archive. If you think you know Verdi’sMacbeth then this, the original1847 version, has a few surprises for you.

‘Rita Hunter is totally engrossing, with PeterGlossop a powerful, psychologically intenseMacbeth’ – James Jolly, Gramophone

7 92938 00372 6ORC37 (2 disc set)

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Editor’s Choice –Gramophone

ORCV301 (2 disc set)

SIMON BOCCANEGRASesto Bruscantini, Josella Ligi, André Turp, Gwynne Howell, BBC Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra,John Matheson – conductor The Verdi Originals series continues with the BBC performance of the seldom-heard1857 version of this opera. The added bonus with this recording is the preservation of SestoBruscantini’s only performance of the title role.

‘No Verdian should be without it’ - Robert Levine, ClassicsToday.com

7 92938 03032 6

www.opera-rara.com

LES VÊPRES SICILIENNESJacqueline Brumaire, Jean Bonhomme, Neilson Taylor,Ayhan Baran, BBC Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra,Mario Rossi – conductor. Ballet music – Ashley LawrenceOriginally composed in French, this opera wasalmost always given in a highly inaccurate Italiantranslation, which prevailed for most of the 20thcentury. This BBC recording of the opera finallyrestores the original French libretto.’The quality of this performance is soconsistently excellent’ – Denise Gallo, Opera Today

7 92938 03022 7ORCV302 (2 disc set)

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LA FORZA DEL DESTINOMartina Arroyo, Kenneth Collins, Peter Glossop, Don Garrard, BBC Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra, John Matheson – conductorFirst thoughts always have an interest of their own,and anyone who knows and loves La forza deldestino in its later form will find differences in these discs to fascinate and surprise them. Firstheard in1862 in St Petersburg, this version is darker and with a grittier integration of text and music.

‘Martina Arroyo is grandly passionate and in fullcommand’ – George Hall, BBC Music Magazine

DON CARLOSJoseph Rouleau, André Turp, Robert Savoie, EdithTremblay, Michelle Vilma, BBC Singers, BBC ConcertOrchestra, John Matheson – conductorThe fifth and final in the Verdi Originals series is the first ever recording (1973) of the original 1867 five-act French version of Don Carlos,including music cut before the first performanceand rediscovered by Andrew Porter.

'This set is utterly necessary in any collection'- Robert Levine, ClassicsToday.com



NOTES AND LIBRETTO IN FOUR LANGUAGESVERDI ORIGINALS

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ESSENTIAL OPERA RARA (HIGHLIGHTS WITH COMPLETE LIBRETTO)

Opera Rara continues to explorethe fascinating figure of SaverioMercadante with this worldpremiere recording of substantialhighlights from I Normanni aParigi, written for Turin in1832.With Rossini in retirement,

Mercadante was then in competition with Belliniand Donizetti for the crown of Italian opera, and this work shows the composer at his most creative.Mercadante expert Michael Rose describes the operaas ‘one of the highlights of this period’. Having scoreda triumph at its premiere, it circulated widely. Thelibretto by Felice Romani, the finest practitioner ofthe art in his day, is set in Paris, following the deathof the mighty King Charlemagne, with the citythreatened and eventually besieged by Normaninvaders. The complex plot centres on Charlemagne’swidow, Berta (Judith Howarth), who was previouslysecretly married to Ordamante (Riccardo Novaro) ina relationship that produced her equally secret son,Osvino (Katarina Karnéus), now guarded by the loyalOdone (Barry Banks). When Ordamante leads the

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iNormans against the Carolingian forces, fatherand son are pitted against each other, though the latter initially knows nothing of theirrelationship. The scene is set for personal andpolitical drama of the highest order in thisgripping work from the bel canto repertoire.

ORR249 (1disc set)AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2010

MERCADANTE – I NORMANNI A PARIGIJudith Howarth, Barry Banks, Riccardo Novaro, Katarina Karnéus, Graeme Broadbent, Aled Hall, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, Stuart Stratford – conductor

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MERCADANTE – MARIA STUARDA REGINA DI SCOZIAJudith Howarth, Manuela Custer, Jennifer Larmore,Colin Lee, Pauls Putnins, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Phil -harmonia Orchestra, Antonello Allemandi – conductorMercadante’s opera deals with the earlier periodof Mary Queen of Scots’ life, when she wasstruggling to maintain her authority and herindependence. Mercadante pours out lashings of bel canto melody and bravura for our delight.‘Judith Howarth and Jennifer Larmore onspectacular form’ – Tim Ashley, The Guardian

ORR224 (1disc set)

MERCADANTE – ZAIRAAlastair Miles, Majella Cullagh, Bruce Ford, Garry Magee, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, PhilharmoniaOrchestra, David Parry – conductorThis recording was the first in our acclaimedEssential Opera Rara series. It contains a selectionof the important and most beautiful moments in Mercadante’s setting of Voltaire’s tragic tale. A vivid impression of the opera is captured on asingle disc.

‘Majella Cullagh flaunts a to-die-for topregister’ – George Hall, BBC Music Magazine

7 92938 02412 7ORR241 (1disc set)

Recording of the Month

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MEYERBEER – L’ESULE DI GRANATA Manuela Custer, Mirco Palazzi, Laura Claycomb, PaulAustin Kelly, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Academy of StMartin in the Fields, Giuliano Carella – conductorWhile Meyerbeer clearly embraced theinnovations of Rossini, he was his own composer.From the very start of L’esule di Granata we areaware he is working on a larger canvas,employing all the resources at his disposal –choruses, stage bands, scenic effects and, aboveall, brilliant vocalism.

‘Opera Rara pull out all the stops’ – Robert Levine, ClassicToday.com

7 92938 02372 4ORR237 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com


PAER – SOFONISBAJennifer Larmore, Paul Nilon, Rebecca Evans, Colin Lee, Mirco Palazzi, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, Marco Guidarini – conductorPaer's glorious opera, composed in1805, was one of Rossini’s favourites. Set in ancient Rome, it tells of the political intrigues and emotionaltraumas of the beautiful Sofonisba, daughter of the Carthaginian general, Hasdrubal.

‘A fantastic addition and the most original of the series’ – Raúl González Arévalo, Mundoclasico.com

7 92938 02342 7ORR234 (1disc set)

Editor’s Choice – Gramophone

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FEDERICO RICCI –CORRADO D’ALTAMURADimitra Theodossiou, Dmitry Korchak, James Westman,Ann Taylor, Andrew Foster-Williams, Cora Burggraaf,Camilla Roberts, Mark Wilde, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, Roland Böer – conductorSet in12th-century Sicily, this highly dramaticopera tells of betrayal and revenge betweenformer friends. Premiered at La Scala, Milan, in 1841.

‘An exciting, unfairly neglected work’ – Eric Myers, Opera

ORR228 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com


FEDERICO RICCI –LA PRIGIONE DI EDIMBURGONuccia Focile, Elisabetta Scano, Christopher Purves,Nicola Rossi Giordano, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, Gabriele Bellini – conductorWalter Scott’s The Heart of Midlothian providedthe plot for one of Federico Ricci’s most popularoperas, featuring stolen babies, smugglers andburning buildings – all set to beautiful music.

‘Opera Rara on top form again – whetting theappetite for another neglected work’ – John Steane, Gramophone

ORR246 (1 disc set)

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YVONNE KENNY –19TH CENTURY HEROINESWith Diana Montague, Della Jones, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorIncludes pieces from Rosmonda (Coccia),Gabriella di Vergi (Carafa), I Baccanali di Roma (Nicolini), Il crociato in Egitto(Meyerbeer), Alahor in Granata (Donizetti) and La Semiramide (Portogallo).

‘Yvonne Kenny’s beautiful and agile lyric soprano is at its best in this fascinating disc’ – Charles Osborne, Opera

7 92938 02022 8ORR202 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com

A R T I S T C O L L E C T I O N SA R T I S T C O L L E C T I O N S

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BRUCE FORD – ROMANTIC HEROESWith Renée Fleming, Alastair Miles, Diana Montague,Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorIncludes pieces from Virginia (Mercadante), Carlo di Borgogna (Pacini), Alfredo il Grandeand Rosmonda d’Inghilterra (Donizetti), Il marito e l’amante (Ricci), La stella del Nord(Meyerbeer) and Ricciardo e Zoraide (Rossini).

‘Bruce Ford has few equals today in this kind of music’ – Charles Osborne, Opera

7 92938 02012 9ORR201 (1disc set)

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A R T I S T C O L L E C T I O N SE S S E N T I A L O P E R A R A R A

DIANA MONTAGUE BELLA IMMAGIN – BEAUTIFULIMAGEWith Yvonne Kenny, Keith Lewis, Bruce Ford, GeoffreyMitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, David Parry – conductorA fine compilation featuring this superb mezzo-soprano in her early work with Opera Rara. Anunissued alternative aria for L’Italiana in Algeri(by Julius Benedict) gives the album its name.

‘Montague’s ability to imbue every phrase shesings with meaning is without compare’ – Michael Quinn, Classic CD

ORR216 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com

WILLIAM MATTEUZZI –FERME TES YEUX…With Bruce Ford, Enkelejda Shkosa, Elisabetta Scano,Majella Cullagh, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Academy of StMartin in the Fields, David Parry – conductorIncludes Il castello di Kenilworth and La Fille duRégiment (Donizetti), Le Comte Ory and Il viaggio a Reims (Rossini), Alessandro nell’Indie(Pacini), Le Pont des Soupirs (Offenbach) andGabriella di Vergi (Carafa).

‘A vivacious programme of rarities’ – John Steane, Gramophone

7 92938 02102 7ORR210 (1disc set)

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Editor’s Choice 2001 – Gramophone

NELLY MIRICIOIU –BEL CANTO PORTRAITWith Mary Plazas, Alice Coote, Ashley Holland, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorIncludes scenes from Belisario and Parisina(Donizetti) and L’assedio di Corinto (MichaelCosta), as well as the great final scene fromMercadante’s Emma d’Antiochia, which concludes in a duet with Mary Plazas.

‘Miricioiu gives a formidable display of technique and flair’– Edward Greenfield, The Guardian

7 92938 02312 0ORR231 (1disc set)

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BRAVURA DIVAJennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh, Bruce Ford, GeoffreyMitchell Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra,Academy of St Martin in the Fields, AntonelloAllemandi, David Parry, Giuliano Carella – conductorsJennifer Larmore’s interpretation of, and affinitywith, the bel canto repertoire has allowed us torecord on this album some of the most difficultvocal music of the 19th century. Features worksby Costa, Rossini, Pacini and Mercadante.‘A stellar production on all levels’– Wynne Delacoma, Chicago Sun Times

7 92938 02172 0ORR217 (1disc set)

Critic’s Choice – Opera News

Critics’ Choice 2001 – BBC Music M

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The Best of the Year – Opera News

Il Salotto – Volume 1MERCADANTE – LES SOIRÉES ITALIENNESBruce Ford, Yvonne Kenny, Alastair Miles, Nelly Miricioiu,William Matteuzzi, Garry Magee, David Harper – pianoThe first volume in Opera Rara’s series devoted toexploring the salon music of the19th century.Mercadante’s series of eight songs and duets rivalsthe more familiar Serate Musicale by Rossini.

‘Spectacular singing is what is required, and the soloists here don’t disappoint’ – Tim Ashley, The Guardian

ORR208 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com

I L S A L O T T OI L S A L O T T O

Il Salotto – Volume 2LA POTENZA D’AMORENelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, William Matteuzzi, Majella Cullagh, Enkelejda Shkosa, Garry Magee, Paul Watkins – cello, Nigel Black – horn, Susan Drake – harp, David Harper – pianoIn the second volume of Opera Rara’s recitalseries we present songs, scenes and extendedcantatas written by Rossini, Tadolini,Mercadante, Paer, Mayr, Carafa and Pacini.

‘Opera Rara’s production is a real class act’ – John Steane, Gramophone

7 92938 02062 4ORR206 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 3CENDRILLON – Pauline Viardot Sandrine Piau, Paul Austin Kelly, Elizabeth Vidal, André Cognet, Jean-Luc Viala, Jean Rigby, SusannahWaters, Nicholas Kok – pianist and conductorViardot’s charming chamber operetta is adelicate drawing-room version of the classicfairy-tale. Reminiscent of Gounod and Massenet,the music anticipates Debussy, Satie and Poulenc.

‘This specialist label has unearthed few moreenchanting opera rarities than this’– Hugh Canning, Sunday Times

7 92938 02192 8ORR219 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com

Il Salotto – Volume 4 – IL SIBILONuccia Focile, Donata D’Annunzio Lombardi, IldebrandoD’Arcangelo, Paul Charles Clarke, David Harper – pianoHere is after-dinner entertainment at its mostcharming. These songs were published as part ofthe1840s Neapolitan gossip journal Il Sibilo(The Whisper). Once you’d read the week’s gossipyou were treated to new songs by some of thebest composers of the day. A delightful additionto the Il Salotto series.

‘Charming repertoire, delightfully performed’– Patrick O’Connor, Gramophone

7 92938 02122 5ORR212 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 5LA RIMEMBRANZAJennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh, Bruce Ford, ManuelaCuster, Antonino Siragusa, David Harper – pianoThis volume of Il Salotto explores the music of the salons of Milan and London. Songs, duets and trios by Gabussi, Gomes, Arditti, Costa andVerdi display virtuosic vocal writing, interpretedhere with flair and brilliance by Opera Rara’saccomplished team of singers.

‘This CD is perfect – a glorious evening’sentertainment’– Robert Levine, Classics Today.com

ORR227 (1disc set)

Il Salotto – Volume 6LA PARTENZALaura Claycomb, Bruce Ford, Manuela Custer, Roberto Servile, Nicola Rossi Giordano, Brindley Sherratt, Dominic Natoli, Dean Robinson, Richard Bissill – horn, David Harper – pianoDonizetti and Rossini are joined by Mexican bel canto composer Melesio Morales plus Achille Peri,Angelo Savinelli and Lauro Rossi. Included is Michael Balfe’s cantata for Maria Malibran.

‘Everyone here is in top form (would they dare beotherwise for Opera Rara?)’ – American Record Guide

ORR223 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 7IL PRIMO DOLCE AFFANNO…Elizabeth Vidal, Bruce Ford, Laura Claycomb, Manuela Custer, William Matteuzzi, Roberto Servile,Alastair Miles, David Harper – pianoLiszt’s Petrarch Sonnets, sung so passionately here by Bruce Ford, are interspersed out ofsequence with music by Liszt’s contemporaries –Meyerbeer, Saint-Saëns, Poniatowski, FedericoRicci, Gomes and Verdi.

‘The music is quite enchanting’– American Record Guide

ORR235 (1disc set)

www.opera-rara.com


Il Salotto – Volume 8NOTTURNOBruce Ford, Jennifer Larmore, Alastair Miles, Paul Austin Kelly, Patrizia Biccirè, Jaime Martin – flute, Antoine Palloc – pianoNotturno is the eighth volume of Opera Rara’sacclaimed Il Salotto series and is essentially an album of duets,fourteen in all.

‘Here are all the virtues of an Opera Rara release’– Christopher Cook, BBC Music Magazine

7 92938 02302 1ORR230 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 9ORA DIVINAMajella Cullagh, Diana Montague, Bruce Ford,Elizabeth Vidal, Paul Austin Kelly, Barry Banks, Mark Stone, Sine Bundgaard, Roland Wood, Susie Beer – cello, David Harper – pianoThe ninth volume of the popular Il Salotto seriesbrings together an extraordinary collection ofpassionate songs, from Donizetti, Offenbach,Mercadante and others, which explore theserious side of love.

‘Breathtaking’ – Joel Kasow, Fanfare

ORR240 (2 disc set)

www.opera-rara.com


Il Salotto – Volume 10PAULINE VIARDOT AND FRIENDSFrederica von Stade, Vladimir Chernov, Anna Caterina Antonacci, Fanny Ardant – narrator,David Watkin – cello, David Harper – pianoA celebration of the remarkable life andcolourful world of Pauline Viardot both throughher own compositions and those of her illustriousfriends, in this live recording from London’sWigmore Hall. 2 CDs for the price of1‘A delightful and enjoyably informative set’– George Hall, Opera Now

7 92938 02392 2ORR239 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 11LA SERENATABruce Ford, Diana Montague, Barry Banks, MajellaCullagh, Mark Stone, Elizabeth Vidal, Paul Austin Kelly,Roland Wood, Sine Bundgaard, Susie Beer – cello, Richard Simpson – oboe, David Harper – pianoTaking its title from a song by Ambroise Thomas,this volume also includes his most famous song,the enchanting ‘Le Soir’, as well as others byMercadante, Offenbach, Pacini and Donizetti.

‘Performed in high style by a starry clutch ofsoloists’ – Anthony Holden, The Observer

7 92938 02452 3ORR245 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 12LA LAITIÈRE DE TRIANONJean-Baptiste WekerlinJoan Rodgers, Yann Beuron, Jeff Cohen – pianoFirst performed in 1858, this delightful drawing-room operetta, set in the Versailles ofMarie-Antoinette, centres on two aristocraticcousins who are betrothed to each other eventhough they have never met. Includes threeappendix items.

‘Opera Rara offers a captivating performance’ – Andrew Porter, Opera

7 92938 02422 6ORR242 (1disc set)

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Il Salotto – Volume 13ROSSINI SONGSLawrence Brownlee, Jennifer Larmore, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Mireille Delunsch, Brindley Sherratt, MarkWilde, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Nicholas Bosworth –harmonium, Malcolm Martineau– pianoOpera Rara continues to explore the music ofthe 19th-century salon with this rare selectionof songs by the great master Rossini.

‘With a first-rate team of singers and Martineau's deft contributions, resistance is futile’– Stephen Pettitt, Sunday Times

ORCH101 (3 disc set)

A HUNDRED YEARS OF ITALIAN OPERA 1800–1810Yvonne Kenny, Eiddwen Harrhy, Della Jones, Keith Lewis,Diana Montague and others, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir,Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThe first volume in Opera Rara’s survey of Italianopera composers of the19th century featuresPaisiello, Mayr, Pucitta, Cimarosa, Zingarelli, Paer, Nicolini, Winter, Mosca and others.

‘Nothing anywhere near so ambitious and scholarly in this field has appeared before’ – Charles Osborne, Opera

ORR247 (1 disc set)

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A N T H O L O G I E SI L S A L O T T O

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A HUNDRED YEARS OF ITALIAN OPERA 1810–1820Chris Merritt, Diana Montague, Della Jones, Yvonne Kenny, Paul Nilon and others, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorVolume two of Opera Rara’s series investigatesthe second decade of the 19th century withmusic by Rossini, Donizetti, Mayr, Meyerbeer,Carafa, Generali, Mercadante and others.

‘An awesome recording in every respect’ – John Freeman, Opera News

7 92938 01042 7ORCH104 (3 disc set)

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A N T H O L O G I E SA N T H O L O G I E S

A HUNDRED YEARS OF ITALIAN OPERA 1820–1830Bruce Ford, Yvonne Kenny, Alastair Miles, Nuccia Focile, Ivan Sharpe, Paul Nilon and others, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, David Parry – conductorThe third volume of the anthology, which featuresthe work of composers such as Cordella, Bellini,Balducci, Conti, Carafa, Coccia, Ricci, Pacini,Donizetti, Rossini and Meyerbeer.

‘A privileged glimpse into a forgotten world’ – John Freeman, Opera News

7 92938 01032 8ORCH103 (3 disc set)


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THE OPERA RARA COLLECTIONS VOLUMES 1 & 2These collections are filled with highlights fromOpera Rara’s extensive catalogue of rarities.Includes music by Rossini, Donizetti, Mayr, Bellini, Pacini, Carafa, Winter and Mercadante,celebrating 20 years of reviving and recordingthe neglected repertoire of the 19th century.

‘A feast and a temptation to the ears’ – David Johnson, Fanfare

www.opera-rara.com

C O M P I L A T I O N SC O M P I L A T I O N S

DUETS TO DIE FORNelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Renée Fleming, Alastair Miles, Jennifer Larmore, William Matteuzzi, Jane Eaglen, Yvonne Kenny, David Parry – conductorAn outstanding selection of bel canto specialistssing duets from1801 to1846. Donizetti, Rossini,Mercadante, Pacini, Carafa, Coccia, Mayr andLavigna provide the music for this survey of duet writing.

‘Opera Rara’s genius lies in its ability to attracttalent’ – Claire Wrathall (reviewing this recording), BBC Music Magazine

ORR220 (1disc set)

ORR205 ORR209 (1disc set each)

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TYRANTS AND LOVERSNelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Elizabeth Futral, JenniferLarmore, William Matteuzzi, Rockwell Blake, MajellaCullagh, Garry Magee, David Parry – conductorHeroes and slaves, kings and peasants, or tyrantsand lovers – these larger-than-life, opposingforces were the source of every composer’sinspiration. Includes previously unreleased piecesfrom Donizetti’s Torquato Tasso, Buondelmonteand Balfe’s Falstaff.

‘Singing about as bel canto as it gets’– George Hall, BBC Music Magazine

7 92938 02252 9ORR225 (2 disc set)

www.opera-rara.com

SOGNO TALOR... SOMETIMES I DREAMNelly Miricioiu, Bruce Ford, Jennifer Larmore, William Matteuzzi, Antonino Siragusa, Renée Fleming2 CDs for the price of1Opera Rara celebrated 25 years of recording withthis two-disc album. Covering more than 50 years of the19th century, the rich cross-section of excerpts is matched by a superb roster ofcontributing artists.

‘One of the best anthologies on disc’– John Steane, Gramophone

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VOCAL TEAMWORKAnnick Massis, Bruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, AlastairMiles, Jennifer Larmore, Mirco Palazzi, Laura Claycomb,Peter Glossop, Della Jones. John Matheson, JamesJudd, David Parry, Giuliano Carella – conductorsThe19th century was the great age of ensemblewriting. This disc begins with the elaborateformality of the duet from Rossini’s Bianca eFalliero and ends with the emotionally chargednonet from Donizetti’s L’assedio di Calais.

‘A truly thrilling recording’ – Thorvald Petterson, KulturNytt

ORR248 (1disc set)AVAILABLE MAY 2010ORR233 (1disc set)



CELEBRATING 40 YEARSJennifer Larmore, Colin Lee, Susan Patterson,Christian du Plessis, Carmen Giannattasio,William Matteuzzi, Yvonne Kenny, TobySpence, Annick Massis, Nelly Miricioiu, Della Jones, Bruce Ford, Thora EinarsdottirTo celebrate its 40th anniversay, Opera Rarahas compiled this stunning collection ofhighlights from its incomparable catalogue. It includes excerpts from the very firstrecording, Donizetti’s Ugo, conte di Parigi,through to the recent, Rossini’s Ermione.

LIKE A WOMAN SCORNED…Renée Fleming, Bruce Ford, Nelly Miricioiu, William Matteuzzi, Jennifer LarmoreMercadante’s Emma d’Antiochia is a woman witha problematic love life. This delightful group ofsimilarly doomed operatic heroines wasassembled in this compilation CD produced forOpera magazine to promote our recording andperformance of Mercadante’s beautiful opera.

Only available direct from Opera Rara

ORO4 (1disc)

www.opera-rara.com


THE CRUEL MADNESS OF LOVEIldebrando D’Arcangelo, Elizabeth Futral, Antonino Siragusa, Jennifer Larmore, Roberto Frontali, Nelly MiricioiuCreated with Opera magazine to promote our recording and concert performance ofDonizetti’s tragic opera Pia de’ Tolomei, thiscollection shows love in its many guises anddiverse manifestations as the root cause ofjealousy, regret and despair.


ORO3 (1disc)

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VILLAINS BY NECESSITYIldebrando D’Arcangelo, Bruce Ford, William Matteuzzi,Barry Banks, Paul Austin Kelly, Christian du Plessis,Alastair Miles, José Bros, Antonino Siragusa, SestoBruscantiniThere are villains behind villains, and some ofthem are women, though this CD, created inassociation with Opera magazine, is – unusuallyfor Opera Rara – a diva-free zone. Every note issung by men.


ORO6 (1disc)

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SCEPTRE, CROWN & SCAFFOLDDiana Montague, Bruce Ford, Nelly Miricioiu, José Bros, Eiddwen Harrhy, Yvonne Kenny, Paul Nilon,Graeme BroadbentThe mixed fortunes of kings and queens throughthe ages have provided composers with infinitemusical possibilities. However, not all royal roadslead to the scaffold, as is demonstrated in thisglorious disc, produced again in collaborationwith Opera magazine to promote our recordingand concert of Pacini's opera Alessandro nell'Indie. Only available direct from Opera Rara

ORO5 (1disc)

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MEDIEVAL MAYHEMAnnick Massis, Bruce Ford, Jennifer Larmore, AlastairMiles, Diana Montague, Paul Nilon, Yvonne Kenny,Pietro Spagnoli, Della Jones, Clive BayleySo many Opera Rara recordings deal with clashes of arms or passions in medieval timesthat, in collaboration with Opera magazine, wehave assembled this rich and varied anthology,though we deliberately end it with an item that represents a welcome return to order and tranquillity.


ORO8 (1disc)

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CROSS & CRESCENTBruce Ford, Majella Cullagh, Annick Massis, NellyMiricioiu, William Matteuzzi, Alastair Miles, Paul Nilon,Geoffrey Dolton, Giuseppe FilianotiThe conflict between Christianity and Islam, of such concern today, was already a rich sourceof subject matter in 19th-century Italian opera.In collaboration with Opera magazine, wepresent an anthology, which we hope may proveboth thought-provoking and musicallystimulating.


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19th-Century Opera meets

the 21st Century


Allemandi, Antonello15,17,39,53,72

Andrew, Ludmilla18,26,49,67Antonacci, Anna Caterina 63Antoniozzi, Alfonso17,19,67Antonucci, Stefano 30Archer, Neil 28Ardant, Fanny 63Arroyo, Martina 51Arthur, Maurice 18,24,25,36Ashe, Rosemary 36Ashman, David 25Bailey, Norman 20Bailey, Simon18,41,48Banks, Barry 41,46,48,52,63,64,67,

68,71Baran, Ayhan 50Barcellona, Daniela 27,33,69Bardon, Patricia 40,45Bayley, Clive19,71,72Beer, Susie 63,64Bellini, Gabriele 55,70Benelli, Ugo 32,33,56Benini, Maurizio 23,30,44,45,47,

68,70,71Berthon, Cassandre 37Best, Jonathan 27Beuron, Yann 64Bezdüz, Bülent 40Biccirè, Patrizia 22,48,62,67Bickley, Susan 27,38Bissill, Richard 61Black, Nigel 59Blake, Rockwell 25,67–71

Böer, Roland 55Bonhomme, Jean 50Bovino, Maria 33,70Bowden, Pamela 50Brecknock, John 36Bregonzi, Alec 36Broadbent, Graeme13,16,23,40,

52,71Brocq, Mark Le 12,13,30,35,37Bros, José12,13,16,22,23,68,71Browne, Sandra 36Brownlee, Lawrence 65Brumaire, Jacqueline 50Bruscantini, Sesto17,50,67,68,71Bundgaard, Sine 63,64Burggraaf, Cora 55Cabell, Nicole19Caley, Ian 21,25,32,72Carella, Giuliano18,41,45,54,58,68,

69,71Caruso, Carmelo Corrado 15Cashmore, John 39Castronovo, Charles 30Catling, Ashley 41,47Chernov, Vladimir 63Cicogna, Adriana19,68,70Ciofi, Patrizia13Clark, Graham 21Clarke, Paul Charles 30,60Claycomb, Laura 37,49,54,61,

62,69Cognet, André 37,60Cohen, Jeff 64Colecchia, Gabriella 41

Collins, Kenneth 49,51Cook, Deborah 32, 67–69Coote, Alice 58Corbelli, Alessandro14Costello, Stephen14Crowe, Lucy 35Cullagh, Majella

18,22,24–27,31,34,39,41,45,53,57–59,61,63,64,67–70,72,

Custer, Manuela18,22,45,47,53,54,61,62,70

Daniels, Claire 31D’Arcangelo, Ildebrando 41,46,48,

58,60,67,68,70,71Davies, Joan18,21Davies, Lynne 27,72Davies, Ryland 41,46,48Dawson, Anna 36Dean, Stafford 50Delunsch, Mireille 65Dickerson, Bernard 50Dixey, Amilia 36Doghan, Philip 56,72Dolton, Geoffrey17,33,39,71,72Douglas, Nigel20Drake, Susan 59Droy, Sébastien 35,49Eaglen, Jane 28,67,69Earle, Roderick 21,32Einarsdottir, Thora 35Elder, Mark14–16,19,72Elkins, Margreta 21,26Elvin, William 50English, Gerald 50A

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Evans, Rebecca 54Fardilha, José 38Félix, Loïc16,35,37,40Filianoti, Giuseppe15,72Fisher, Jonathan 23Fleming, Renée 23,26,56,67,68,70Focile, Nuccia20,25,26,55,60,66,

67,70Ford, Bruce

15,17,19,20,22–24,26–29,31–33,37–39,41,45–48,53,56–59,61–64,66–72

Foster-Williams, Andrew 30,44,55Francis, Alun18,21,24,25,36,68Frontali, Roberto 23,38,39,70Fulgoni, Sara 25,68,70Futral, Elizabeth

34,38,39,46–48,67,68,70Ganassi, Sonia 23,70Garrard, Don 51Giannattasio, Carmen 12,13,22,

40,45,Giménez, Raúl 28,67,71Giordano, Massimo 19Giordano, Nicola Rossi 55,61Glanville, Mark20,68,71Gleadow, Robert15,45Glossop, Peter 49,51,69Grassi, Luca 27Guidarini, Marco 54Gutiérrez, Eglise14Haddock, Marcus 31,67,68,71Hall, Aled13,52

Hargreaves, Matthew20,24,27,68Harper, David 31,58–64Harrhy, Eiddwen18,20,24–27,39,

65,67,68,71Hartle, Enid 33Hausmann, Mathias 47Hill Smith, Marilyn 27,32,36,67,

68,72Holland, Ashley 58Howarth, Judith 52,53Howell, Gwynne 50Howlett, Neil 50Hudson, Paul 50Hunter, Rita 49Janes, Fiona 58John, Kevin 27,57,71Jones, Della18,20,21,24–27,29,32,

33,46,48,56,65,67–69,72Judd, James 21,32,68,69,71Karnéus, Katarina 52Kasarova, Vesselina15Keenlyside, Simon15Kelly, Paul Austin

19,24,27,47,48,54,60,62–64,67,68,71

Kennedy, Roderick 21,36Kenny, Yvonne17,24–29,31–33,36,

37,39,56,57,59,65–72Kitchen, Linda 25,32,33,56Kite, Celia 36Kok, Nicholas 60Korchak, Dmitry 55Kunde, Gregory 45Larmore, Jennifer15,17,27,35,

37–39,41,45,53,54,61,62,65,67–70,72

Lazzara, Marco 27Lee, Colin18,29,31,33,37,40,45,

53–55Leggate, Robin 23Leguérinel, Franck 35Lessiter, Michael 23Lewis, Keith 57,65Ligi, Josella 50Lipinski, Rebecca von 29,55Litton, Andrew 49Lloyd, Prudence 49Locatelli, Damiano 27Lombardi, Donata D’Annunzio 60Lopardo, Frank19Lopera, Juan José 46Lopez, Franck 35Mackerras, Charles 34Magee, Garry 25,38,48,53,59,67,

68,70Manley, Katherine 30Martin, Jaime 62Martineau, Malcolm 65Mason, Anne17,28,33,71Massis, Annick 15,17,27,31,33,39,

44,68,69,72Matheson, John 49–51,69Matteuzzi, William 31,39,46–48,

57,59,62,67–72McCullough, Susan 39McDonall, Lois 21,26McFarland, Robert20,67


Merritt, Chris17,33,66–68,71Michaels-Moore, Anthony 30,

31,67,68,71Miles, Alastair15,23,26,28,30,31,

33,37,38,46,48,49,53,56,59,62,66–72

Mills, Bronwen17,33,71Miricioiu, Nelly20,23,25,26,29–31,

38,46–48,58,59,67–72Montague, Diana 23,24,26,27,29,

32–34,37,56,57,63–67,70–72Monti, Elena19,68Moreno, Myrna 27,57,71Nathan, Regina20Natoli, Dominic 24,25,27,38,41,46,

48,58,61Nicoll, Harry 33,70Nilon, Paul20,27,28,30,31,33,39,

40,46,48,54,66,67,70–72Nocentini, Maria Costanza 29Novaro, Riccardo 52Oliver, Alexander 21,32,36,67,

69,71Opie, Alan 31,36,39,72Owens, Anne-Marie 35Palazzi, Mirco18,22,41,47,54,69Palloc, Antoine 62Parry, David12,13,17,19,20,22–33,

35,37–41,46–48,53,56–58,65–72

Pastorello, Cristina 27Patterson, Susan 30Peters, Johanna 36,67Piau, Sandrine 60

Piunti, Giuseppina 27Pizzaloto, Mariana14Platt, Ian20,25,32,33,56,68Plazas, Mary 31,38,58,67Plessis, Christian du18,20,21,24,25,

32,36,49,67–69,71Polverelli, Laura 31,39,72Praticò, Bruno19,67,70Previati, Fabio 33Price, Janet 24,26,67Purves, Christopher16,55Putnins, Pauls 33,53Rhys-Davies, Jennifer 30,31,71Rigby, Jean 60Rippon, Michael 46Roberts, Camilla 55Roberts, Joy 36Robinson, Dean18,37,48,55,61Rodgers, Joan 49,64Rossi, Mario 50Rouleau, Joseph 51Santafé, Silvia Tro 44Sassu, Francesca 45Savoie, Robert 51Scano, Elisabetta19,55,57,67,68,70Schmunck, Darío13Serbo, Rico20,25Servile, Roberto 22,29,61,62,68Severini, Tiziano 27Sherman, Alexandra 37Sherratt, Brindley12,13,16,19,54,

61,65Shkosa, Enkelejda13,16,39,46,48,

57,59,67,70

Sikora, Elizabeth14Simmonds, Victoria 12,13,40Simonetti, Riccardo 16Simpson, Richard 64Siragusa, Antonino 27,29,45,47,61,

68,70,71Slater, Andrew15Smythe, Russell20,27,33,56,57,61,

71,72Solari, Dario 22Sotgiù, Antonia 25,48Spagnoli, Pietro15,17,19,72Spence, Patricia 33Spence, Toby 35,46Stade, Frederica von 63Stone, Mark13,35,37,63,64Stoyanova, Krassimira16Stuart, Stratford 52Szabó, Bálint14Tarver, Kenneth 31,39,44,45Taylor, Ann 22,35,55Taylor, Neilson 50Tézier, Ludovic12–14Theodossiou, Dimitra 55Thornton-Holmes, Christopher17Tomlinson, John18,49Treleaven, John 20Tremblay, Edith 51Turner, Christopher 16Turp, André 50Ulivieri, Nicola 22Veira, Jonathan 27,37,60,62–64Viala, Jean-Luc 60Vidal, Elizabeth 27,37,60,62–64A

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Vilma, Michelle 51Vinco, Marco 22,47,71Waddington, Henry 31,39Waters, Susannah 60Watkin, David 63Watkins, Paul 59Westman, James 19,55Wild, Claire 31,53Wilde, Mark18,22,37,41,45,55,65Williams, Helen 38Winfield, John18Wood, Roland13,18,31,33,39,57,

58,63,64Wyn-Rogers, Catherine 65

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir12,13,15–26,28–30,32,33,35–41,44–49, 52–58,65

COMPOSER INDEXAdam 57Arditi 58,61,70Auber 57,68Balducci 66Balfe 61,63,68Beauplan 64Belgiojoso 61Bellini 12,13,62,66,72Benedict 57,61,63Berlioz 63Blangini 62Burghersh 63Buzzolla 62Cammarano 60Campana 62–64

Carafa 56,57,59,66,67,70Carlini 63Chopin 63Cimarosa 65Coccia 56,62,66,67,69,70,71Conti 66,72Coppola 64Cordella 66Costa 58,61,62,70,72Crescentini 60Czerny 61Donizetti 14–27,56–58,60–64,

66–72Elwart 64Fioravanti 66Gabussi 61,62García 62.63,66Generali 65,66Giuglini 63Gnecco 65Gomes 61,62Gounod 63Lavigna 65,67Lillo 60Liszt 62Manfroce 66,70Mariani 63,64Mayr 27–29,57,59,65–72Mercadante 29–31,52,53,56–60,

63,64,66–72Meyerbeer 32,33,54,56,57,62,63,

66–69,71,72Morales 61Morlacchi 66

Mosca 57,65,66,69Mozart 34Nicolini 56,65Offenbach 35–37,57,63,64,68,70Pacini 37–39,56–60,62,64,66–68,

70–72Paer 54,57,59,65,69Paisiello 65Pavesi 65,66,71Pedrotti 61,70Peri 61Poniatowski 61,62Portogallo 56,65Pucitta 65,66Ricci, Federico 55,56,60,62,68,70Ricci, Luigi 60,66,71Righini 65Rossini 40,41,44–48,56–63,65–72Rubini 63Saint-Saëns 62Sarmiento 60Tadolini 59Thomas 49,64Unger 63Vaccaj 60Vera 63Verdi 49–51,61,62,69Viardot 60,63Weber 66,68Weigl 65,72Wekerlin 64Winter 57,65,66,68,72Zingarelli 65,68,72

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ARGENTINA Casa Piscitelli, San Martin 450,Buenos Aires 1004. Tel: 00 54 1 14 394 [email protected] www.piscitelli.com

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AUSTRIA Preiser Records, Otto G Preiser & CoGmbh, Simmeringer Hauptstrasse 54,A-1110 Wien. Tel: 00 43 1 533 [email protected] www.preiserrecords.at

BELGIUM Codaex, Larenstraat 58, 3560Lummen. Tel: 00 321335 [email protected] www.codaex.com

CANADA SRI Ltd, 638 The Kingsway,Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7C8.Tel: 00 1 705 748 5422 Fax: 00 1 705 748 5628www.sricanada.com

CHILE TODO Classico, Cerro La Parva 766,Dept 204, Las Condes, Santiago.Tel/Fax: 00 56 2 208 7929 [email protected]

CZECH REPUBLIC Classic Music Distribution,Biskupcova 26, 130 00 Praha 3, Prague.Tel: 00 420 2 2258 [email protected] www.classic.cz

DENMARK Danacord Distribution,Nørregade 22, DK 1165, Copenhagen.Tel: 00 45 331 [email protected] www.danacord.dk

FINLAND Ars Musica Oy/Ltd, Eerikinkatu 20,20100 TURKU. Tel: 00 358 (0)2 233 [email protected] www.arsmusica.fi

FRANCE Abeille Musique, Usine Springcourt, 5 Passage Piver, 75011 Paris. Tel: 00 3314926 [email protected]

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NETHERLANDS Codaex Nederland, Prinsengracht 17, 1015 DK, Amsterdam.Tel: 00 31 (0)20 612 9724 [email protected]

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DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION

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“Opera Rara really is doing something special… how much the poorer ourpersonal libraries would be without them” Gramophone, November 2009

Above: Krassimira Stoyanova (soprano), Stephen Revell (Managing Director), Sir Mark Elder (conductor) and José Bros (tenor) rehearsing Donizetti’s Maria di Rohan in the Opera Rara music library

Help fund the rare and beautiful operas


We, at Opera Rara, specialise in researching, recording and presenting concertperformances of the rare, forgotten operatic masterworks of the 19th century.

CD sales alone cannot cover all of Opera Rara’s costs and this gem of a label simplycannot survive without financial support. Over many years, philanthropicindividuals and organisations have funded much of its work, most notably thePeter Moores Foundation, to which we offer thanks for its enormous generosity.The Foundation is reducing its funding programmes and, to ensure that this ‘lost’vocal and operatic heritage survives through the label’s work, we would like toinvite you to help support Opera Rara’s future.

We welcome our supporters to special events, rehearsals, recording sessions, tomeet our artists and much more. If you would like to learn more about Opera Raraand how you could help us, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Stephen RevellManaging Director, Opera Rara

Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 2858 Fax: +44 (0)20 7613 2261 Email: [email protected] Rara is a registered charity. Charity no. 261403

of the 19th century

We would particularly like to thank the following individuals

Opera Rara Association Members

Supporting aunique

DONIZETTI PATRONSGlenn Hurstfield

Dr Trifon A. Natsis

MERCADANTE ASSOCIATESMichael Conroy

Patrick and Marian Griggs

Imogen Rumbold

Colin Webster

Suzy Webster

ROSSINI ASSOCIATESGeoffrey Collens

Dr Costas Kaplanis

Barry Kernon

Chris and Dominique Moore

Alison Nicol

John Paine

Michel Plantevin

Gerry Wakelin

MEYERBEER ASSOCIATESMr and Mrs Garf Collins

Alan Godfrey

Michael and Margaret

Heathcote

Virginia Lawlor

Barry Lock

Stratton Mills

Mr and Mrs N. Woolner


For more details on how to donate to Opera Rara or to become an Opera Rara Association member, contact Stephen Revell, Managing Director:Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 2858 Fax: +44 (0)20 7613 2261 Email: [email protected]

and organisations for their continuing generous support…

organisation

PACINI ASSOCIATESBarry D. Adamson

David and Lynne Casstles

Anthony Diamond QC

Peggy Y. Hui

Bette and Michael

Marks Cohen

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Lord F.S. Phillimore

Margaret Pollock

William Rathbone

Gillian Reynolds

Mr and Mrs P.J.H. Rogan

Michael Romain

Martin and Pat Spiro

Roger and Maria Spiro

Ann Tooth

Penelope Treadwell

Rosemary Yablon

Opera Rara is also hugely indebted to the generouscontributions and support of:Peter Moores FoundationTrifon and Thespina NatsisThe Estate of Wendy ThompsonThe Mercers' CompanyGlenn HurstfieldJohn S. Cohen FoundationPeter RosenthalJoan MavityThe city beverage company LtdBoucheronWilliam J. Conner


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