Erik Bruchez
Wed, 05 Nov 2003 01:57:18 -0800
A new CD of Isabeau has just been released by Bongiovanni (I just got my copy today!). Although the performance is not new (it was recorded in 1982 in the Netherlands), this is an important release, as it is the first time that a complete version of Isabeau is available with a good sound quality. It took efforts from dedicated people, including Belgian Mascagnano Hilaire de Slagmeulder, to secure all the authorizations and finally get the performance released.
Isabeau (1911) is the third and last opera Mascagni composed on a libretto by Luigi Illica, after Iris (1898) and Le Maschere (1901). The action is set in the Middle Ages, which is the pretext for a wonderful, archaic musical atmosphere. Mascagni's music has rarely been more original. In particular, the opera features some of the most intriguing and beautiful arias for tenor: "Non colombelle !... Tu ch'odi lo mio grido" (also known as the falcon song) and "E passera la viva creatura".
The Bongiovanni catalog also includes several other works by Mascagni, including Nerone, Il piccolo Marat (both conducted by Kees Bakels), Si, Rapsodia Satanica, Pinotta, Zanetto, as well as songs and works for piano:
http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/2761 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/2521 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/3061 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/3503 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/3504 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/3502 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/500028
The excellent and well restored excerpts of the opera sung by Mariella Pobbe, as well as the tenor arias sung by Beniamino Gigli, should also be noted:
http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/2251 http://www.mascagni.org/recordings/272
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