Experience the timeless charm of Gaetano Donizetti's one-act opera "Rita" in this delightful 1960 Bavarian Radio recording, newly released on disc. Originally composed between 1839 and 1841 while Donizetti was in Paris, "Rita" is a hilarious domestic comedy that has been enchanting audiences since its premiere. This cheerful opera, sung in German, features a lively and engaging score that showcases Donizetti's mastery of the comic opera genre.
The opera tells the story of Rita, a feisty innkeeper's wife, and her husband Gasparo, who is constantly trying to outwit her. The plot thickens with the arrival of Beppe, a former soldier who adds a layer of complexity to the already chaotic household. With its witty dialogue and memorable arias, "Rita" is a delightful exploration of love, deception, and the intricacies of marital dynamics.
This recording features a stellar cast, including Ingeborg Hallstein, Karl Christian Kohn, and Josef Strobl, who bring the characters to life with their exceptional vocal talents. The opera's lively score and humorous libretto by Gustave Vaëz make "Rita" a standout piece in Donizetti's repertoire. With a duration of just under an hour, this recording is perfect for both opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
Released by Da Vinci Classics on July 9, 2021, this album is a wonderful addition to any classical music collection. The high-quality recording and engaging performances make it a joy to listen to, whether you're a seasoned opera lover or simply looking to explore the world of classical music. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy one of Donizetti's most delightful works.
2021 Da Vinci Classics2021 Da Vinci Classics
Tracks
Rita, Scene 1: "Introduzione ed Aria: "Van la casa e l'albergo"" (Rita)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 1: "Recitato: "I'm so… happy!”" (Rita)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 2: "Duetto: "Ah tu sei qua"" (Rita, Beppe)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Chen Yong, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 3: "Recitato: “I’m sick of this”" (Beppe, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Chen Yong, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 4: "Aria: “La mia casa per modello”" (Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 4: "Recitato: “Capish? Get yourself a glass”" (Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 5, 6: "Recitato: “Do you call this working?”" (Rita, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 7: "Duetto: “Per me, chi perde vince”" (Beppe, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Chen Yong, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 7: "Recitato: “What a stroke of luck”" (Beppe, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Chen Yong, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 8: "Aria: “Allegro io son”" (Beppe)Gaetano Donizetti, Chen Yong, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 9: "Recitato: “What’s all that noise?”" (Rita, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 9: "Duetto: “Cara gioia, moglie mia" (Gasparo, Rita)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 10: "Recitato: “And what do you think you’re doing?”" (Beppe, Rita, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Chen Yong, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 10: "Terzetto: “È moncherin”"Gaetano Donizetti, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 10: "Recitato: “You think just because you’re so big and burly”" (Beppe, Rita, Gasparo)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Chen Yong, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan
Rita, Scene 10: "Finale: “Ma tu dèi la mia ricetta”" (Gasparo, Beppe, Rita)Gaetano Donizetti, Etta Fung, Chen Yong, Isaac Droscha, Marco Iannelli, Hsu Wei-En, Angus Lee, Claudia Ng, Patrick T.S. Yim, Sun Yu, Anna Kwan