L'Italiana in Algeri

Comic Opera in Two Acts

Following the triumphant premiere of "L'Italiana in Algeri" at the Venetian Teatro di San Benedetto on May 22, 1813, Rossini commented: "I believed that the Venetians would consider me mad after hearing my opera. Now it appears that they are even madder than I." This opera, with its then typical Oriental atmosphere, brought Rossini's breakthrough as an opera composer. At only 21 years of age he composed this early masterpiece, which even today comes across as a perfectly unified piece, in only 18 or 27 days. This recording is of a guest performance by the Zurich Opera House at the 1987 Schwetzingen Festival and was made in the Schwetzingen Rococo Theatre. Production was by Michael Hampe, set design and costumes were by Mauro Pagano, and Ralf Weikert conducted. The German mezzo-soprano Doris Soffel, who has achieved international acclaim primarily for her Wagner roles, performs the virtuoso title part of Isabella.