Dive into the rich tapestry of 19th-century opera with Giacomo Meyerbeer's "L'esule di Granata," a melodramma serio that showcases the composer's unique voice within the romantic opera genre. This 2005 release from Opera Rara presents highlights from Meyerbeer's fifth Italian opera, originally staged in Milan in 1822, and offers a captivating glimpse into the political intrigue and personal dramas of Moorish Spain.
"L'esule di Granata" is a grand opera in every sense, featuring a sprawling canvas of choruses, stage bands, and stunning vocal performances that bring the story of rivalries between the Zegridi and Abenceraggi factions to life. The opera's libretto, penned by Felice Romani, is a masterclass in dramatic storytelling, and Meyerbeer's score is a testament to his innovative approach to opera, drawing inspiration from the likes of Rossini while forging his own distinctive path.
This album, recorded in 2004 and released in 2005, captures the essence of Meyerbeer's operatic genius, with a stellar cast of singers and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields providing impeccable musical accompaniment. From the multi-section Introduzione that sets the stage for the drama to unfold, to the powerful arias and ensemble pieces that bring the story to its thrilling conclusion, this collection of highlights offers a compelling introduction to Meyerbeer's operatic world.
With a running time of just under 1 hour and 20 minutes, this album is an excellent starting point for those looking to explore the works of Giacomo Meyerbeer, one of the most influential composers of the 19th century. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "L'esule di Granata" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Sempre tacer! Soffrire! " (Chorus, Ali)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Eccovi il duce " (Alamar, Chorus, Ali)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Si, vendetta ... pera ... cada ... " (All)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Ma silenzio ... " (Alamar, Chorus, Azema, Maidens)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Fragor lontan si ascolta " (All, Azema, Alamar, Omar, Sulemano, Chorus, Fatima)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Ah le voci di natura " (Azema, Sulemano)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Deh, se il padre consoscesti " (Azema, Sulemano, Chorus of Zegris, Women, Fatima)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Cara, il soave istante " (Almanzor, Azema, Sulemano)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Tergi, mio ben " (Almanzor, Azema, Sulemano, Omar, Maidens, Imams, Alamar, Ali, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Miei pensieri, in tal cimento " (Almanzor, Azema, Alamar, Sulemano, Ali)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 1: "Vieni e lascia al suo rimorso - Amor di un re magnanino " (Alamar, Sulemano, Azema, Almanzor, Ali, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Itene amiche, e questa ora tranquilla " (Azema, Fatima, Ali)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "All'armi, all'armi! " (Voices, Chorus, Ali)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Si, guerrieri - si, miei fidi ... " (Azema, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Se lo difende amore - Inoltra il passo ... " (Azema, Chorus, Fatima, Almanzor, Ali)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Il trono avito io non pretendo ... " (Sulemano, Almanzor, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Trema I tuoi complici vinti gia sono - Riede il mattin " (Almanzor, Sulemano, Chorus, Fatima, Omar)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Oh! Come rapida " (Almanzor, Omar, Azema, Sulemano, Alamar)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Cedi alla sorte e stringimi " (Sulemano, Almanzor, Azema, Women, Men)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Meyerbeer: L'esule di Granata, Act 2: "Piu bella vittoria " (Almanzor, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Giuliano Carella, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Giacomo Meyerbeer, born Jacob Liebmann Beer in 1791, was a German opera composer who reigned supreme in the 19th century, shaping the grand opera genre and setting the stage for the future of music drama. Born into a wealthy Jewish family near Berlin, Meyerbeer's compositions, particularly "Robert le diable," "Les Huguenots," and "Le prophète," were sensational hits that captivated audiences and critics alike. His unique style blended German orchestral traditions with Italian vocal techniques, all wrapped in dramatic libretti by Eugène Scribe and enhanced by cutting-edge theater technology. Meyerbeer's influence was immense, inspiring giants like Richard Wagner and maintaining Paris's status as the opera capital of the world. Despite his past fame, Meyerbeer's works are less frequently performed today, making a journey through his compositions a hidden gem for opera enthusiasts.
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Giacomo Meyerbeer
