Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of 18th-century opera buffa with Giovanni Paisiello's "La frascatana," a delightful and witty three-act opera that showcases the composer's mastery of the genre. Originally premiered in Venice in 1774, this recording, released by Bongiovanni, brings Paisiello's charming score to life with a stellar cast and the Geneva Chamber Orchestra under the baton of conductor Franco Trinca.
"La frascatana" is a sparkling example of opera buffa, filled with clever wordplay, humorous situations, and memorable melodies. The opera follows the misadventures of a group of colorful characters, including the cunning Pagnotta, the lovesick Violante, and the scheming Nardone, as they navigate the complexities of love, deceit, and redemption.
The album features a stellar cast of singers, each bringing their unique talents to the stage. Standout performances include Katia Velletaz as the witty and resourceful Violante, Carmela Calvano Forte as the cunning Lisetta, and Franco Trinca as the scheming Nardone. The Geneva Chamber Orchestra provides a lively and engaging accompaniment, bringing Paisiello's score to life with energy and precision.
With a running time of over two hours, this recording offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to Paisiello's operatic style. The album features a complete recording of the opera, including all recitatives, arias, and ensemble pieces, providing a comprehensive overview of the work's dramatic and musical structure.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "La frascatana" is sure to delight and entertain. With its witty libretto, memorable melodies, and engaging performances, this recording is a testament to the enduring appeal of opera buffa and the genius of Giovanni Paisiello.
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Aria: Son donna, e vero (Lisetta)Giovanni Paisiello, Carmela Calvano Forte, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Recitative: Quanto san far le donne! … (Pagnotta)Giovanni Paisiello, Alexandre Diakoff, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Aria: D'una sposa meschinella (Donna Stella)Giovanni Paisiello, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Letizia Sperzaga, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Recitative: Gran tempesta prevedo (Panotta)Giovanni Paisiello, Alexandre Diakoff, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Duettino: Con quel labbro di rubino (Cavaliere, Don Fabrizio)Giovanni Paisiello, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Michele Govi, Laurent Dami, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Recitative: Dove correte voi così di fretta? (Nardone)Giovanni Paisiello, Valery Tsarev, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Aria: Mettiti un po' così (Nardone)Giovanni Paisiello, Valery Tsarev, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Recitative: Or franchezza ci vuol (Violante)Giovanni Paisiello, Katia Velletaz, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act I: Act I: Finale: Traditrice senza cuore (Nardone, Violante, Don Fabrizio)Giovanni Paisiello, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Katia Velletaz, Valery Tsarev, Michele Govi, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: Ma che poca prudenza! … (Pagnotta)Giovanni Paisiello, Alexandre Diakoff, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Aria: Non serve a fingere (Lisetta)Giovanni Paisiello, Carmela Calvano Forte, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: Un gran che son le donne! (Pagnotta)Giovanni Paisiello, Alexandre Diakoff, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Aria: Il cor per l'allegrezza (Pagnotta)Giovanni Paisiello, Alexandre Diakoff, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: E creder posso, o caro (Donna Stella)Giovanni Paisiello, Letizia Sperzaga, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Aria: Quel bel nome di sposino (Donna Stella)Giovanni Paisiello, Letizia Sperzaga, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: Or si, che son sicuro (Don Fabrizio)Giovanni Paisiello, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Michele Govi, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Cavatina a due: Care donne sventurate (Violante, Nardone)Giovanni Paisiello, Katia Velletaz, Valery Tsarev, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: E qui, quel traditor! (Violante)Giovanni Paisiello, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Katia Velletaz, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Aria: Se più coraggio avrai (Nardone)Giovanni Paisiello, Valery Tsarev, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: Ma da me cosa brami? (Cavaliere)Giovanni Paisiello, Laurent Dami, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Aria: Belle luci vezzosette (Cavaliere)Giovanni Paisiello, Laurent Dami, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Recitative: Amico, io ti ringrazio (Nardone)Giovanni Paisiello, Valery Tsarev, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
La frascatana, Act II: Act II: Aria: Dove son … che cosa e questa (Violante)Giovanni Paisiello, Katia Velletaz, Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Franco Trinca
Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816) was a titan of Italian opera during the Classical era, renowned for his dramatic power and robust realism. Born in Taranto, Paisiello's musical journey began at the Conservatory of San Onofrio in Naples, where he quickly established himself as a popular local composer upon graduation in 1763. With over 80 operas to his name, Paisiello's influence stretched far and wide, shaping the works of musical giants like Mozart and Rossini. His compositions, which also include sacred and concert music, offer a vivid journey through the operatic landscape of the late 18th century, making him a must-explore composer for any classical music enthusiast.