We continue with an almost textbook example of a scene for two rivals (here both tenors) and the woman they are fighting for: here is the Terzet from "La donna del lago". "La donna del lago" is considered one of Rossini's most unusual operas and, probably, his most Romantic work. First of all, it is one of the first operas to be based on the works of the quintessential Romantic writer, Sir Walter Scott (many listeners will quickly remember the other one: Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor"). In fact, the story is rather too idealistic for my tastes, though the music is still brilliant. Secondly, the opera is one of Rossini's most unusual: it features no real overture, instead using a short prelude; secondly, the opera is, rather like Rossini's Otello, noteworthy for the way in which the soprano's music is full of vulnerability, in stark contrast to the aggressive vocal fireworks of the male characters who surround her (in the present except, the allegro passage wonderfully displays how the male singers overpower the voice of the soprano); the ensemble which closes the first act is also remarkable for its length (around 18 minutes), despite which the listener is kept engaged by the musical contrasts and continuing excitement (it's so wonderful, in fact, that it is going to be one of the first full finales I'm going to post in the framework of the compilation). Plus, there are really few places that one might find "boring", all male singers and the contralto have substantial ...
Keywords: Rossini, coloratura, classical
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