Rossini was the great musical recycler, and we’ve got one of his operas, on this week’s Sunday Opera (1/21 3:00 p.m.), that you’re sure to recognize passages (including most of the overture!) from “Elisabetta, regina d’Inghilterra” and “The Barber of Seville.”
Rossini’s “Aureliano in Palmira” premiered in 1813 and was based on an 18th century opera by Pasquale Anfossi’s “Zenobia di Palmira.” The story features a lop-sided love triangle surrounding Roman Emperor Aurelian, Prince Arsace of Persia, and Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra.
Zenobia (Silvia Dalla Benetta) and Arsace (Marina Viotti) are in love, and Arsace uses his Persian forces to try to repel the advancing armies of Aurelian (Juan Francisco). Although unsuccessful, the opera does have a moderately happy ending due to the magnanimity of Aurelian.
The recording from 2017 to which we’ll be listening includes the Camerata Bach Choir, Poznan and the Virtuosi Brunesis with Jose Miguel Perez-Sierra conducting.
After the opera, we’ll have a bit more music from Rossini including one of his string sonatas and two of the extended dance sections written for productions of his works to be performed at the Paris opera.
Join us for an afternoon of some glorious music from a well-known hand.