The Rossini Project, Vol. 2: From Naples to Europe
Gratitude (1821), a pastoral cantata of the Neapolitan period of Rossini, is here available in its world premiere recording. One year after the publication of the first volume dedicated to the Rossini’s youth period (already nominated for the next ICMA), Markus Poschner and l’Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana enter the composer's Pesaro Neapolitan years, to rediscover rare and unpublished works . The score of the Gratitude, composed of seven large numbers, was appreciated for virtuosity (the air of Fileno represents one of the vertices of the difficult Rossinian tenor writing) and for the ability to harmonize exclusively instrumental, choral and solo moments. The Cantata was reworked for numerous other circumstances: the Cantata Il vero homage (1822) and the Cantata with four voices with choirs (1823) are offered two pieces in the first recording. The performers are Edgardo Rocha (in the role of Fileno) tenor, Michela Antenucci (Argene) soprano, Laura Polverelli (Melania) mezzosoprano and Mirco Palazzi (Elpino) bass. The choral parts are entrusted to the Swiss Radio and Television Choir. Opening and closing the album are the Symphonies by Ermione (1819) and by Elizabeth, Queen of England (1815).