Album

While in Paris in 1841, during a lull between commissions, Donizetti composed the 50-minute opera buffa Rita in just a week. He hoped to have it performed by the Opéra Comique, but it was rejected and the composer never saw it produced. In spite of the speed of its composition, the opera shows no sign of haste, and has the same lightness and inventiveness of Donizetti's best comic operas. The libretto, by his friend Gustave Vaez, gave the composer the ideal framework for a winning comedy—vividly drawn, quirky characters, and an original and witty plot. Rita, a lovely and vivacious innkeeper, is also something of a termagant who mercilessly abuses her second husband, Beppe. When her first husband Gasparo, whom she supposed had died at sea, turns up alive, the two men battle not over which will be her husband, but which will be free of her. Donizetti treats the absurdities of the plot with appropriate irreverence and gives each of the characters plenty of opportunities for coloratura vocal display. Federico Amendola leads the Orchestra da Camera Siciliano in a spirited performance. Soloists Adelina Scarabelli, Pietro Ballo, and Alessandro Corbelli, are gifted comedians who bring the characters to vibrant life. They are also fully capable of handling the score's vocal demands, with enough energy left over to be genuinely funny. The live performance has a few ragged edges, but they are easily forgiven because of the infectious energy of the production. Nuova Era's sound is spacious and clear, with excellent balance.

© Stephen Eddins, Rovi

CD 1
Gaetano Donizetti Composer Rita, ou Le mari battu (opera) Work 53:42 Federico Amendola Conductor, Adelina Scarabelli Vocals, Alessandro Corbelli Vocals, Sicilian Chamber Orchestra Orchestra, Pietro Ballo Vocals
1	È lindo e civettin - questo caro alberguccio	6:25			$0.99
2	Son davvero, la donna più felice della terra!	1:03			$0.99
3	È dessa... quale orror!	7:22			$1.49
4	C'è nessuno? È permesso?	1:48			$0.99
5	La mia casa per modello	2:56			$0.99
6	Capito allora?	2:10			$0.99
7	Or mi viene un'idea	8:01			$1.49
8	Avete vinto voi!	0:27			$0.99
9	Allegro io son	4:27			$0.99
10	Tutto è silenzio	0:39			$0.99
11	Cara gioia, moglie mia	7:43			$1.49
12	Dove vai?	0:41			$0.99
13	È moncherin!	7:16			$1.49
14	Ma voi perché avete quel vocione	0:36			$0.99
15	Ma tu dei la mia ricetta	2:08			$0.99