Legend has it ( and it’s reinforced in the wonderful movie ‘Rossini Rossini”) that Rossini’s father was so captivated by the voice and fame of the super-star castrato, Velluti  that he hinted that such a future might be advantageous for the young Gioachino. Apparently Mama vetoed this idea.

Sometimes the Metropolitan Opera gets it right. It’s hard to believe that a bit of Rossini’s credo ( if he had one) does not reside in this aria of Alidoro. Pisaroni fortunately has not retired this role.. fits him like a glove.

Jennifer Larmore is an internationally known Rossini singer. Her partner in this duet is the luminous Hei-Kyung Hong, who primarily appeared at the Metropolitan Opera.

Rossini’s Armida probably achieved its post-war ( WWII, that is) popularity on the basis of the spectacular soprano aria “D’amore al dolce impero”. But the opera cannot live by d’amore alone. It takes 3 superb tenors to do it justice. Here, from a legendary concert performance in Amsterdam, at about minute 17, the remarkable Bruce Ford leads the way.

BTW Ford offered an explanation of why he was not wearing a tux. Those who travel a lot by air can probably guess.

Ermione seems to defy all conventional categories; it’s unlikely we’ll see a performance that matches this one any time soon.  Video quality shows its age, but the performance by Rockwell Blake is surely worth it.

Rossini’s father was a horn player, perhaps the composer was inspired by playing he heard at home? Many thanks to the Danish music writer and lecturer, Henrik Engelbrecht for this link. Engelbrecht, a Danish author and lecturer was the inspiration for our musical advent calendar; a few years ago he featured one with tenors which was a pure delight.

In Rossini’s day people  often became familiar with his works through piano adaptations  played in a home. Czerny arranged this masterpiece but not likely for a performance in a private home! You may spot some pianists you recognize!