Paisiello: Due Contesse / Il Duello Comico

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 18th-century Italian opera with Giovanni Paisiello's captivating album, "Paisiello: Due Contesse / Il Duello Comico." Released in 2003, this double album showcases the genius of one of the most influential composers of his time, offering a delightful blend of comedy and drama that will enchant classical music enthusiasts and opera lovers alike.

The album presents two of Paisiello's most celebrated comic operas: "Le due contesse" (The Two Countesses) and "Il duello comico" (The Comic Duel). "Le due contesse," a two-part opera, is a witty exploration of love, jealousy, and mistaken identities, featuring a lively overture and a series of engaging arias and ensembles that highlight the composer's mastery of the comic opera genre. The second opera, "Il duello comico," is a hilarious farce centered around a duel that never quite happens, filled with memorable characters and uproarious situations that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

With a running time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights, featuring a talented cast of singers and the dynamic orchestration that Paisiello is known for. The album was released by Dynamic, a renowned label with a strong reputation for high-quality classical recordings. The album's release date is noted as January 1, 2003, with some sources indicating a box set format released on July 7, 2003.

Giuliano Carella conducts the performances, ensuring that the music is brought to life with authenticity and vigor. The album features a stellar cast of singers, including Stefania Donzelli, who delivers a captivating performance in "Le due contesse." The album's detailed tracklist provides a comprehensive overview of the operas' scenes and arias, allowing you to follow the narrative and appreciate the musical structure.

Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a casual fan of classical music, "Paisiello: Due Contesse / Il Duello Comico" is an essential addition to your collection. This album offers a unique opportunity to experience the wit and charm of 18th-century Italian opera, performed by a talented ensemble of singers and musicians under the skilled direction of Giuliano Carella.

1 januari 2003

2003 Dynamic

About Giovanni Paisiello

Giovanni Paisiello, born in the small Italian town of Roccaforzata in 1740, was a titan of the Classical era, renowned as the most popular opera composer of the late 1700s. His operatic works, numbering over 80, not only captivated audiences across Europe but also left an indelible mark on the likes of Mozart and Rossini. Paisiello's journey took him from the prestigious Conservatorio di S. Onofrio in Naples to the opulent courts of Catherine the Great in St. Petersburg and Napoleon in Paris. Among his most celebrated works is "Il Barbiere di Siviglia," which, though overshadowed by Rossini's later version, remains a testament to his genius. Beyond his operatic prowess, Paisiello's contributions to church music and concert works further cement his legacy as one of the most influential composers of his time.