Matilde di Shabran is categorized as an opera semiseria, featuring a medieval setting, wild nature, and the obligatory buffo character, Isidoro, who is an autobiographical divertissement for librettist Jacopo Ferretti.
Recording & Production
This recording was made during the XXXI ROSSINI IN WILDBAD Festival in Bad Wildbad, Germany, in July 2019, and is a co-production with DeutschlandRadio Kultur.
Critical Reception
The premiere of Matilde di Shabran caused brawling in the streets between Rossini's admirers and detractors, and critics were divided, with some finding the libretto too long and poorly arranged.
Album & Artwork
This album is a world premiere recording of Rossini's Matilde di Shabran in its original 1821 Rome version.
Notable Performances
At the premiere of Matilde di Shabran on February 24, 1821, Niccolò Paganini, a friend of Rossini, stepped in at the last minute to conduct the first three nights and played the concertante horn part on the viola.
Composition History
The opera Matilde di Shabran had a difficult genesis, with friction between Rossini and librettist Jacopo Ferretti, who was unhappy with his fee.
Composition History
Rossini's Matilde di Shabran was his last commission for the theaters of Rome, a city where he had previously achieved great success with operas like Il barbiere di Siviglia.
