The practice of castration was banned throughout Europe by the Code Napoléon, leading to a decline in castrati.
Composition History
The 'cats' duet' is a pasticcio from 1825, possibly by an Englishman, combining parts of Christoph Weyse's 'Katte-Cavatine' with themes from Rossini's 1816 Otello.
Recording & Production
This live recording explores the 'trouser-role' repertory in half of its items, with Marie-Nicole Lemieux (a contralto) performing en travesti.
Compositional Technique
Heroic male operatic roles in the early 19th century were often written at alto castrato pitch but sung by women, known as contralto musico, performing en travesti (in male disguise).
Cultural Impact
Isabella's aria 'Pensa alla patria' from L'italiana in Algeri became a rallying cry for Italian independence and was banned in Bourbon monarchist Naples.
Composer Biography
When Rossini was born in 1792, castrati still dominated opera, and their unique sound remained his self-proclaimed vocal ideal.
Composition History
La pietra del paragone, Rossini's first full-length operatic triumph, premiered when he was just twenty and earned him exemption from military service.
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Rebelle
Rossini, G.: Opera Highlights - L'Italiana in Algeri / Tancredi / La Cenerentola / La Donna Del Lago / Semiramide
