Word: rossini
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Most Americans probably only associate Giacchino Rossini with "The Lone Ranger" theme from his William Tell Overture, and possibly fewer Americans recognize him as the composer of the infamous Barber of Seville. And therefore it is highly unlikely that many would associate the Rossini of the dramatic and macabre opera to the composer of the humourous and light-hearted The Italian Girl in Algeirs. Much like Wagner's Lohengrin and Puccini's La Boheme, the works of this opera have become a part of our popular perception of the genre. But while the musical style may be familiar, anyone...
Nothing lends itself to Rossini's tidal score more than a story of comic abduction, spousal warfare, anachronistic feminism and subtle slapstick. In this opera, one Bey of Algiers, Mustafa, seeks to rid himself of his dull wife. Elvira and replace her with the kidnapped Isabella, an Italian femme fatale. Enter Lindoro, a hapless Italian slave who just happens to be the lover of Isabella. With the cooperation of an unlucky suitor and the assistance of Elvira, Isabella and Lindoro escape to Italy together by means of an outragerous contrivance, leaving Mustafa and Elvira reunited...
Lowell's The Italian Girl in Algiers serves as a good introduction to Rossini's gender conscious satire and equally rambunctious score. And although Lowell Opera has the advantage of leads from music conservatories, the student-run segments of the production also work well...
Donna Ames is brilliant as Isabella, although she seems to warm only gradually to her character through the first act. But by the second act her acting and singing are consistently stellar. Ames's Isabella is indeed Rossini's willful and clever heroine; she is convincing in her character's guile...
...otherwise anemic role. Of all the leads, ruffs arias are the most consistent, his crescendos gradual and never punched. Aside from needless in his opening aria, Ruff displayed Sunday night a mastery of facial mime and stage presence. His improvisation takes full advantage of the humorous license that Rossini gives his characters...