Cecilia Bartoli triumphs in Rossini’s “Italiana”

Salzburg Festival’s “L‘Italiana in Algeri“ - “one of the funniest opera evenings in recent times” (NZZ) - shot in 4K and available this October!

“Machos, duck down”, titled Switzerland’s most important newspaper and the New York Times praised Cecilia Bartoli’s perfect performance as the clever, independent Isabella in a staging that draws out surprising contemporary resonances from the 1813 comedy by Gioachino Rossini.

How the renowned stage director duo Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier played with preconceived notions about clashing cultures amidst the colourful sets of Christian Fenouillat received high praise by critics and audiences alike, making the “L’Italiana” at Salzburg Festival a highlight of the Rossini anniversary year. It is “as funny for the ear as it is for the eye”, wrote BR Klassik.

Bartoli presented the spirited Italian woman with fire, finesse and extraordinary acting abilities. The leering macho Mustafà was sung by Ildar Abdrazakov with delight and “great comic talent” (Salzburger Nachrichten). Edgardo Rocha’s bright tenor climbed up without effort, making his performance as Isabella’s lover Lindoro flowing and highly emotional. Rebeca Olvera sang Elvira, who finally regains her husband’s favour, with ease and beauty, while José Coca Loza’s Haly impressed in his short aria. With Alessandro Corbelli as a clumsy Taddeo, laughter was guaranteed. The conductor Jean-Christophe Spinosi, showing sensitivity to the intricacies and sparkle of Rossini’s score, led the excellent Ensemble Matheus in a “beguiling performance” (NYT)

Shot in 4K UHD

A production of UNITEL and BR/ARTE and Salzburg Festival