The Vienna premiere of "Zelmira" was well-received, with the Wiener Theater-Zeitung calling it "perhaps Rossini's best" opera.
Composition History
Rossini composed "Zelmira" as his final opera for the Teatro San Carlo in Naples before embarking on a tour of other European countries.
Composition History
An aria for Emma, 'Ciel pietoso, Ciel clemente', was added to "Zelmira" for its Vienna premiere at the request of the singer, Fanny Eckerlin, despite Rossini's artistic convictions.
Historical Context
The libretto for "Zelmira" was chosen to align with the political climate in Naples, where Ferdinand I was reinstated as an absolute monarch after an uprising.
Recording & Production
This recording of "Zelmira" was made at the XXIX ROSSINI IN WILDBAD Festival in Bad Wildbad, Germany, in July 2017.
Compositional Technique
Rossini's "Zelmira" features few but very extensive numbers for the main characters, while reducing or eliminating 'sorbet arias' for minor roles.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rossini aimed to overcome the perceived incompatibility between Italian melody and German harmony in "Zelmira" by using unusual chromatic and dissonant harmonies.
