Credits:

Rossini (1792-1868)

Description:

In Rossini's time, the "overture" to an opera was a prelude to a grand sung story that was about to begin, and was intended to quiet the sometimes agitated audience. However, Rossini did not seem to place much importance on overtures, and some of them are not always in accordance with the main content of the play (for example, the overture to the famous "The Barber of Seville" is an adaptation of the overture to "Elisabetta, Queen of England"). However, all of the pieces are diverse, with comical elements and lively rhythms, and the orchestral use is colorful and eloquent, as if the story were coming to life. This 4-CD box set, conducted by Benda and the Prague Sinfonia, has been highly acclaimed by the American Record Guide and other music magazines for its excellent performances. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Overture to La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie)
2.Overture to Semiramide
3.Overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)
4.Overture
5.Overture to Le siege de Corinthe
6.Overture al conventello, for orchestra in D major
7.Overture
8.Overture to Guillaume Tell (William Tell)
9.Edoardo e Cristina, opera
10.Overture
11.Overture to La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder)
12.Demetrio e Polibio, opera
13.Overture to Il signor Bruschino
14.Sinfonia (Overture) in D major (di Bologna), QR vii/1
15.Sigismondo, opera
16.Maometto II, opera
17.Overture to L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers)
18.Overture to La cenerentola (Cinderella)
19.Grand'overtura obbligata a contrabbasso, for orchestra in D major
20.Matilde (di) Shabran, opera
21.Overture to La cambiale di matrimonio (The Marriage Contract)
22.Overture to Tancredi
23.Overture to Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)
24.Overture to Il turco in Italia (The Turk in Italy)
25.Sinfonia (Overture) in E flat major
26.Overture to Ricciardo e Zoraide
27.Overture
28.Overture
29.Overture
30.Bianca e Falliero, opera