Mercadante: Elena Da Feltre

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of 19th-century Italian opera with Saverio Mercadante's "Elena da Feltre." This captivating album, released in 1998 under the Marco Polo label, presents a full performance of Mercadante's tragic opera in three acts. Composed with a libretto by Salvatore Cammarano, "Elena da Feltre" is a masterful work that showcases Mercadante's skill in crafting compelling narratives and memorable melodies.

The album spans a generous 2 hours and 9 minutes, featuring 19 tracks that guide you through the opera's intricate plot and emotional depth. From the stirring Sinfonia that opens Act I to the powerful final scene, each track is performed with precision and passion by the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Maurizio Benini. The stellar cast, including sopranos Elena Rossi and Monica Colonna, tenor Luigi Petroni, and bass Nicola Ulivieri, brings the characters of Elena da Feltre to life with their exceptional vocal talents.

"Elena da Feltre" is a prime example of chamber music at its finest, offering a rich and engaging listening experience. The detailed program notes, available in both English and German, along with the libretto in Italian with English translation, provide valuable context and enhance your understanding of this operatic gem. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, this album is a fantastic addition to your music collection, offering a glimpse into the dramatic and musical brilliance of Saverio Mercadante.

October 12, 1998

1998 Marco-Polo

About Saverio Mercadante

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.