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| Vincenzo Bellini: La staniera | 
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| Creators: Vincenzo Bellini, David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Patrizia Ciofi, Mark Stone, Dario Schmunck, Enkelejda Shkosa, Graeme Broadbent, Roland Wood, Aled Hall
Label: Opera Rara UK
Category: Music
List Price: $58.98
Buy New: $39.26
You Save: $19.72 (33%)
New (17) Used (5) from $39.26
Avg. Customer Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 29934
Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 5.8 x 5.1 x 1.3
UPC: 792938003825
EAN: 0792938003825
ASIN: B001CZVW9K
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
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| Tracks:
Disc 1
| • | Act 1. Introduzione e Coro. Voga, voga | | • | Act 1. Recitativo e Duetto. Trista, pensosa | | • | Act 1. Recitativo e Duetto. Io la vidi | | • | Act 1. Recitativo. Osburgo? | | • | Act 1. Scena e Romanza. È sgombro il loco... | | • | Act 1. Scena e Duetto. Alaide | | • | Act 1. Coro di cacciatori. Campo ai veltri | | • | Act 1. Coro di cacciatori. Ti trovo alfin | | • | Act 1. Coro di cacciatori. Che mai penso? | | • | Act 1. Terzetto. Ah! non partir | | • | Act 1. Terzetto. Leopoldo! |
Disc 2
| • | Act 2. Scena ed Aria. Udimmo. Il tuo racconto | | • | Act 2. Scena. Tu che osasti mentir | | • | Act 2. Scena. A tempo io giungo... | | • | Act 2. Scena. Nè alcun ritorna?... | | • | Act 2. Coro. È dolce la vergine | | • | Act 2. Scena e Quartetto. Valdeburgo! | | • | Act 2. Scena, Coro ed Aria Finale. Sono all'ara... |
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| Customer Reviews:
 Excellent December 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There is much to be said for La Straniera. It is innovative and distinctive and has a great deal of very stunning music. With so few Bellini operas in total, it is surprising that this work has received so liitle attention, both in the theatre and in recording. Opera Rara has come up with a fine "studio" recording apparently recorded in conjuction with a concert performance in 2007. The opera is to some extent a stunning vehicle for the prima donna soprano and most previous recordings available on cd (of dubious provenance and even more dubious recording skill) have celebrated a few first class sopranos who undertook the role in the great surge of Bel Canto productions for major theatres in the 20th century. Here the soprano, Patrizia Ciofi, in the title role comes through with some very lovely and striking singing, one which makes it a joy to hear the recording repeatedly and makes one desirous of hearing more of her. The tenor, who has a curious role, without aria, in an absurd story, is not as strong a counter foil as one might expect, but Dario Schmunk accomplishes a generally strong performance, not much aided by weak recording resulting one suspects from his standing back from his microphone at times. The weak tenor role is to some extent mitigated by a strong baritone role well navigated by Mark Stone and a good mezzo role well sung by Enkelejda Shkosa. The conducting by David Parry is consistent, coherent and distinguished, bring out a strong performance by the first class orchestra and chorus. All in all a very good and satisfying recording of an interesting work.
As usual Opera Rara comes up with a lavish and overblown booklet. It has a good English translation of the libretto, and a remarkably lacking essay on the opera. Notable among its ommissions is any discussion of the performers in the recording -- a substantial number of photos in no way comepensating for the lack of information. Similarly, there is no discussion of the the sources of the material used here, and whether Bellini made any revisions after the premiere (there is a frustrating hint that there were revisions.) Frustration is increased by a quote about the tenor's capabilities with no discussion of the extent to which Bellini actually used the tenor's putative range and whether Mr Schmunck has a similar voice. While this is annoying, Opera Rara's oversized box now not containing a proper jewel case of the cd's but instead pimples built into the cardboard of the box is a step down from thier usual standards and not a welcome changee. But this is no reason not to go for a first class version of an important and satisfying opera -- one doesn't buy cd's for the packaging or the essay.
 A worthwhile effort November 17, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
For this work, Bellini was exploring a more declamatory style that was common at the time. Don't expect filigree vocal lines and pyrotechnics on the "Sonnambula" or "Puritani" order. Although standard forms can be recognized here, the style is remarkably plain, making this an unusual, intriguing and, to me, enjoyable piece of music.
The title role of Alaide might be better served by a darker, heavier voice than that of Patrizia Ciofi. Still there is much to enjoy in her performance. Her voice is vibrant and she colours it well to present a thoughtful, involved rendition of her part.
The background essay explains that Bellini wanted the great Rubini for the tenor role, Arturo, but Rubini was unavailable due to other commitments. This, presumably, accounts for the lack of an aria for the tenor. Nor does the part lie in the stratosphere as do other roles written for Rubini. The role, however, does pose demands which Dario Schmunk isn't quite able to meet. His tone tends to turn dry, pinched and forced when the music ventures above the staff.
Mark Stone and Enkelejda Shkosa adequately fill out the cast in the baritone and mezzo parts of Baron Valdeburgo and Isoletta. The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Geoffrey Mitchell Choir respond well to David Parry's conducting.
I recommend this to all lovers of Italian opera from this period.
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