Dive into the rich world of Italian opera with Francesco Cilea's "Gloria," a gripping and tragic tale of love and conflict set in 14th-century Siena. This album, released on September 1, 2013, by Bongiovanni, presents the 1932 revised version of Cilea's final opera, a work that, despite its initial lack of success, showcases the composer's masterful orchestration and dramatic prowess.
"Gloria" is a variation on the classic Romeo and Juliet story, with a libretto by Arturo Colautti based on Victorien Sardou's play "La Haine." The opera is set against the backdrop of the historic conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, adding a layer of political intrigue to the star-crossed lovers' tale. The title role of Gloria, a Guelph, is pitted against her lover Lionetto, a Ghibelline, in a story that unfolds over three acts.
The album features a stunning cast, including Ramaz Chikviladze, Anastasia Bartoli, Franco Vassallo, and Carlo Ventre, accompanied by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari under the direction of Antonio Albanese. The performance captures the intensity and passion of Cilea's score, making it a standout recording for opera enthusiasts.
In addition to the full opera, the album includes several of Cilea's other works, such as the beautiful "Dolce amor di povertade" and the Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 38. These pieces offer a glimpse into Cilea's versatility as a composer, showcasing his ability to craft both dramatic and intimate musical moments.
Francesco Cilea, trained at the Naples Conservatory, is best known for his operas "Adriana Lecouvreur" and "L'Arlesiana." "Gloria," though less performed, is a testament to his enduring talent and a valuable addition to any opera lover's collection. The album's duration of 1 hour and 50 minutes ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience of Cilea's operatic genius.
2013 Bongiovanni2013 Bongiovanni
Tracks
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Or si rinnovi il bando (Aquilante)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Aprile, giovinetto incantatore (Chorus)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Fonte muta e profonda (Gloria)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Al ciel sia lode (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Storia ho di sangue (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Figliuol sei dunque (Aquilante)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Vergine, d'astri e di viole adorna (Gloria)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Fuorusciti, e gia l'ora (Aquilante)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act I: Conoscetemi alfin! (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: Prigioniera d'amor (La Senesse)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: O mia cuna (Gloria)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: Dal verzier dei Monaldeschi (Chorus)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: O Madonna (Bardo)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: Fummo al travaglio (Bardo)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: O mia dolce sorella (Bardo)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: Vergine Santa (Gloria)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: Pur dolente son io (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act II: Non senti o Gloria (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act III: IntroduzioneFrancesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act III: Popolo, esulta (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act III: Il mio fratello ov'e (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Gloria (1932 version): Act III: Gloria, ove sei (Lionetto)Francesco Cilea, Margherita Roberti, Flaviano Labo, Lorenzo Testi, Ferruccio Mazzoli, Anna Maria Rota, Enrico Campi, RAI Chorus, Turin, RAI Symphony Orchestra, Turin, Fernando Previtali
Il mio cantoFrancesco Cilea, Leonardo de Lisi, Fausta Cianti
Alba novellaFrancesco Cilea, Anastasia Tomaszewska Schepis, Fausta Cianti
Nel ridestarmiFrancesco Cilea, Leonardo de Lisi, Fausta Cianti
Vita breveFrancesco Cilea, Anastasia Tomaszewska Schepis, Fausta Cianti
Dolce amor di povertadeFrancesco Cilea, Anastasia Tomaszewska Schepis, Fausta Cianti
Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 38: I. Allegro moderatoFrancesco Cilea, Francesco Pepicelli, Angelo Pepicelli
Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 38: II. Alla romanza (Largo doloroso)Francesco Cilea, Francesco Pepicelli, Angelo Pepicelli
Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 38: III. Allegro animatoFrancesco Cilea, Francesco Pepicelli, Angelo Pepicelli
Francesco Cilea is a renowned composer specialising in the opera genre, crafting emotive and dramatic works that have captivated audiences with their beauty and depth. His music is a testament to the power of opera to evoke strong emotions and transport listeners to another world. With a focus on creating complex, expressive pieces, Francesco Cilea's compositions are a must-experience for fans of the opera genre.