Il crociato in Egitto was an extraordinary triumph at its 1824 premiere in Venice and was subsequently presented in many other Italian cities, London, Paris, the Americas, and Turkey.
Recording & Production
This landmark recording of Meyerbeer's Il crociato in Egitto was made during a live performance at the Teatro La Fenice, Venice, in January 2007.
Critical Reception
Meyerbeer's reputation declined significantly after his death, partly due to 'lashing criticism' from Richard Wagner, who was motivated by professional jealousy and racial hatred.
Performer Biography
Michael Maniaci, who sings the role of Armando d'Orville, is a male soprano who trained at the Juilliard School and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and was the first countertenor or male soprano invited to train at the Tanglewood Music Festival.
Composition History
Il crociato in Egitto has the special claim to fame of being the last major work composed for a castrato, specifically the celebrated Giovanni Velluti.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The composer, Giacomo Meyerbeer, created his operas like 'vast, elaborate woven tapestries' — showered with detail and colour, the result of years of painstaking work.
Composer Biography
Giacomo Meyerbeer, born Jakob Beer, changed his name at 19 and adopted 'Giacomo' to reflect his love of Italian music, fostered during lengthy visits to Italy.
