Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Saverio Mercadante's "Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio," a captivating opera buffa that brings to life a whimsical chapter from Cervantes' timeless classic, Don Quixote. Composed during Mercadante's sojourn in Spain, this delightful work is a testament to the composer's ingenuity and his ability to blend humor, charm, and musical brilliance.
Recorded in July 2007 and released by Naxos in July 2012, this chamber music gem spans a generous 1 hour and 41 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of arias, duets, and choruses that showcase Mercadante's mastery of the operatic form. The album opens with the lively "Sinfonia: Allegro Moderato," setting the stage for the comedic antics that follow.
The story unfolds at the wedding of Gamaccio, where the eccentric Don Chisciotte and his loyal squire, Sancio, find themselves entangled in a series of amusing misadventures. From the joyous "Introduzione: Per le nozze di Gamaccio" to the heartwarming "Cavatina: Basta, basta vi ringrazio," each scene is filled with wit, warmth, and memorable melodies.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Ugo Guagliardo and Domenico, who bring the characters to life with their expressive performances. The ensemble's chemistry is palpable, making the listening experience all the more engaging.
"Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio" is not just an opera; it's a celebration of music, storytelling, and the enduring appeal of Cervantes' beloved characters. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a delightful and entertaining journey through the world of Don Quixote, as seen through the lens of Saverio Mercadante's unique musical vision.
2012 Naxos2012 Naxos
Tracks
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Sinfonia: Allegro moderatoSaverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 1: Introduzione: Per le nozze di Gamaccio (Chorus, Sancio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 2: Cavatina: Basta, basta vi ringrazio (Sancio, Chorus)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 2: Stretta: Caro il mio Ruccio, povero ciuccio (Sancio, Chorus)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 3: Recitativo: Corpo di cento, mille molini a vento (Sancio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 4: Cavatina: Tutto s'allegra intorno (Chiteria)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 4: Recitativo: Che far dovro? (Chiteria) - Scene 5: Scena: Chi veggo? Chi e mai costui? (Chiteria, Basilio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 5: Duetto: Giura crudel che mia per sempre (Chiteria, Basilio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 6: Recitativo: Oh caro il mio Gamaccio (Bernardo, Gamaccio, Chiteria, Don Diego, Cristina) - Scene 8: Recitativo: Di poche ore ho preceduto (Don Diego, Cristina, Chorus)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 8: Coro e cavatina: Viva, viva, Don Chisciotte (Chorus, Don Chisciotte, Sancio, Cristina) - Scene 9: Recitativo: Cielo, che miro? (Don Chisciotte)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 9: Cavatina: Perdon ti chiedo, o donna (Don Chisciotte, Chorus, Cristina, Don Diego, Sancio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 10: Recitativo: In bando cavalier, le tristi idee (Don Diego, Sancio, Don Chisciotte, Cristina)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 11: Coro ed aria: Hai veduto? Cosa e stato? (Chorus, Gamaccio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 12: Recitativo: Tutto tentar sapro (Basilio) - Scene 13: Recitativo: Dove trovar potrassi uno scudier piu fino? (Sancio, Don Chisciotte)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 13: Duetto: Ah parla, scudiero infame (Don Chisciotte, Sancio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 14: Recitativo: Entri signor (Cristina, Gamaccio, Sancio) - Scene 15: Eppur da quel (Don Diego) - Scene 16: Io sfido (Sancio) - Scene 17: Ecco lo trovo alfin (Don Diego, Sancio, Basilio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Scene 17: Duetto: Cavalier, deh m'ascoltate (Basilio, Sancio)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Final scene: Coro e finale: Viva i sposi (Chorus, Gamaccio, Bernardo, Don Chisciotte, Sancio, Basilio, Chiteria, Cristina, Don Diego)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Don Chisciotte alle nozze di Gamaccio: Final scene: Quanto imponi la sacra legge (Basilio, Gamaccio, Don Chisciotte, Chiteria, Cristina, Don Diego, Bernardo, Sancio, Chorus)Saverio Mercadante, Ugo Guagliardo, Domenico Colaianni, Laura Catrani, Ricardo Mirabelli, Hans Ever Mogollon, Giulio Mastrototaro, Marisa Bove, Filippo Polinelli, Naples San Pietro a Majella Conservatory Chorus, Czech Chamber Soloists, Brno, Fausto Di Benedetto, Antonino Fogliani
Saverio Mercadante, born Giuseppe Saverio Raffaele Mercadante, was a prolific Italian composer who left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Though his fame may not have endured internationally like that of his contemporaries Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, or Gioachino Rossini, Mercadante's contributions to operatic structures, melodic styles, and orchestration were instrumental in shaping the dramatic techniques that Giuseppe Verdi would later build upon. Born in Altamura, Italy, in 1795, Mercadante studied a variety of instruments in Naples before focusing on composition. His works, particularly his operas, reflect his inspiration from French grand opéra, notably the works of Meyerbeer and Halévy. Mercadante's prolific output and innovative approaches make him a key transitional figure in the evolution of Italian opera between the bel canto era and the verismo movement.