GIOACHINO ROSSINI (1792-1868): Demetrio e Polibio.

Description: The genesis of Rossini’s first full-scale opera (composed not later than 1809) is shrouded in speculation, but its initial intention as a ‘family opera’ for the tenor Domenico Mombelli, with roles for his daughters and a libretto by his wife seems clear. Its narrative of political turmoil, romance, kidnap, and the ultimate blessings of true love and unity is a prelude to subjects to which Rossini would frequently turn in future triumphs. The composer’s facility for melody and his genius for combining voices into the loveliest of duets is already much in evidence in this confident but rarely heard debut. Live recording from the 2016 Rossini in Wildbad festival. 2 CDs. Italian libretto available online. Sofia Mchedlishvili (soprano), Victoria Yarovaya (mezzo), César Arrieta (tenor), Luca Dall’ Amico (bass), Camerata Bach Choir, Poznań, Virtuosi Brunensis; Luciano Acocella.