Giacchino Rossini and his global impact
Jakob Lehmann, known to Rossini lovers for his exquisite recording of L’Italiana in Algeri, and his superb conducting for Teatro Nuovo, makes a case in this video for Rossini’s global impact which surpassed Mozart’s at the time. Of course Rossini had some exceptional singers at his disposal, but what is often forgotten is that there Rossini was pushing the boundary with the orchestra as well. Modern orchestras tend to blur this quality and Lehmann makes a great argument for examining the role of the orchestra and the types of instruments that were used that the time.
From the Youtube notes:
Conductor Jakob Lehmann makes his London debut with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique on 2 October 2025, launching a new series dedicated to exploring the music of Gioachino Rossini on period instruments. In this video, Lehmann discusses Rossini’s place as one of the most successful composers of his time, his distinctive style, and the impact of performing his works in historically informed contexts, as well as his own journey into music and his first collaboration with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras. The programme features two contrasting works: excerpts from Rossini’s opera Ermione (1819), a rarely performed drama set after the Trojan War, and the Stabat Mater (1841), one of the composer’s major sacred works.
Where’s Rossini ?
Rossini (or at least his spirit) pops up in unexpected places!
An intriguing event by the Long Island Concert Orchestra with the name “Rossini Perduto” is headed for NYC.
Curious Rossini fans in the area might want to check this out for themselves.
Who will be there? A few hints from the cast list:. Rossini, Madame Colbran, Madame Pelissier, Wagner, Dumas, Stendahl, and Beethoven – will Beethoven and Rossini finally meet after all these years?
Mark your calendars!
It’s not often American audiences have the opportunity to hear Rossini’s piano music performed. But on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Alessandro Marangoni, the young Italian pianist who has meant so much for the advancement of Rossini’s vast piano literature will be giving a recital in North Carolina. If you are in the area we hope you will attend. If you are not, how about trying to make a special trip. In any event if you are not able to attend you might listen to some of the selections he will be performing by checking out his recording of the complete piano works on Naxos.
Information about the concert:
https://www.chambermusicraleigh.org/alessandro-marangoni.html
Number 24 hope, joy, and a tribute
The Finale to William Tell will send us into the new year with hope.
We wish to thank all the people who have contributed to this year’s calendar either with suggestions, permissions to use their content, or simply enthusiastic support. Among them are Jurgen Gahre, Paolo Bordogna, Daniela Barcellona, Carla Di Carlo, Sergio Ragni, Alessandro Marangoni, Reto Muller, Molly Kelly, Celia Montgomery, Karl Varnik, Michale Nakamia, and Roberta Pedrotti. Grazie!
Dec 23 Help with last minute chores!
Not only will your home be in perfect order for guests, you will have witnessed a masterful combination of Rossini singing with nuanced and witty acting. Paolo Bordogna brings a special sort of humanity to this character which apparently Rossini didn’t particularly care for (but gave him a beautiful aria anyway!)
Dec 21 Patricia Schuman La morte di Didone Rossini
A lesser known Rossini gem by an even lesser known American Rossini singer.
Dec 20 Pure Zelmira
Keeping up the tradition of American tenors,Lawrence Brownlee shows that it’s the singing (not the director’s take) that makes Rossini great.
Dec 19 A gem from a lost era
Once upon a time Rossini frequented NYC, particularly NYCOpera. Here is an example of what used to fill the house. Although the video quality is not great, it is a valuable reminder of a glorious era. Thanks to ARS board member, Dana Pentia for this suggestion.
This is a tour de force performance of the often cut aria “Sventurata, mi credea” by the great Gianna Rolandi from the televised performance of November 6, 1980. In this production of Cinderella, it was performed in English by the New York City Opera.
Dec 18 Magnifico
After a first visit to ROF a number of years ago, Jeffrey Roberts (a long-time Rossini supporter) became a big fan of Carlo Lepore, who appears here in one of his signature roles (though not from ROF).