Lorenzo Regazzo, who sings Mahomet II, is particularly distinguished as an interpreter of Mozart and Rossinian bel canto, frequently appearing at the Salzburg and Rossini Opera Festivals.
Performer Biography
The Camerata Bach Choir, Poznań, founded in 2003, serves as the ensemble in residence for the ROSSINI IN WILDBAD Festival since 2010.
Composition History
Rossini adapted his 1820 Italian opera Maometto II for the French stage, retitling it Le Siège de Corinthe, collaborating with theatrical reformer Alexandre Soumet.
Historical Context
The relocation of the opera's setting from Negroponte to Corinth was a pragmatic choice, reflecting the contemporary sympathy in 1820s Paris for the Greek struggle for freedom from the Turks.
Composition History
Rossini was contracted to go to Paris in 1824 to compose new operas, as French grand opera was in a state of crisis.
Recording & Production
This recording of Le Siège de Corinthe was made live at the Trinkhalle, Bad Wildbad, Germany, in July 2010, as part of the XXII ROSSINI IN WILDBAD Festival.
Compositional Technique
Rossini's Le Siège de Corinthe features a tragic finale with the city of Corinth going up in flames, a departure from the convention of avoiding on-stage catastrophe in French opera.
