GAETANO DONIZETTI (1797-1848): Belisario.
Catalogue Number: 11P031
Label: Opera Rara
Reference: ORC49
Format: CD
Price: $47.98
Description: Premiered in 1836, this had a very successful early history as a bel canto staple until the late 19th century and it was only revived as late as 1969. The only recordings of it have been two live ones with Leyla Gencer from 1969 and 1970. Lacking a love-interest, it has two strong male roles and elements that look forward to Verdi. The usual massive booklet/libretto with extensive notes, performance history and photos of the cast. The Independent said of its London concert performance after this recording was made, "If this performance is anything to go by, Opera Rara's Cd will make an incontrovertible case for this austere but prophetically Verdian work." 2 CDs. Italian-English libretto. Alastair Miles, Nicola Alaimo (baritones), Joyce El-Khoury, Camilla Roberts (sopranos), Russell Thomas (tenor), BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra; Mark Elder.