This is Rossini's first-ever performed (and second composed) opera, performed by an international cast of musicians, including American Christopher Franklin conducting the German Württemberg Philharmonic Orchestra. The overture sounds a bit skimpy, which could be due to a smaller orchestra or a recording quality that is not optimal. The musicians are, however, keen in their sense of phrasing, and the little runs in the winds are brought out nicely. They play with excellent timing and rhythm and with clear dynamic contrasts. ...
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This is Rossini's first-ever performed (and second composed) opera, performed by an international cast of musicians, including American Christopher Franklin conducting the German Württemberg Philharmonic Orchestra. The overture sounds a bit skimpy, which could be due to a smaller orchestra or a recording quality that is not optimal. The musicians are, however, keen in their sense of phrasing, and the little runs in the winds are brought out nicely. They play with excellent timing and rhythm and with clear dynamic contrasts. Tomasz Wija's Norton is a bass with a slightly crisp sound, a bit murky from time to time, but overall clear and effective. Francesca Russo Ermolli's Clarina has strong diction (especially the rolled Rs), and she, too, has a bright, crisp timbre that sounds beautiful. In fact, the voices in this production are generally quite well matched: thinner, brighter sounds with clear diction and flexibility. Vito Priante's Tobia Mill is a mature-sounding singer who seems confident in his...
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