Search - Gioachino Rossini, Alberto Zedda, Czech Chamber Soloists & Chorus :: L'Equivoco Stravagante (Rossini in Wildbad Festival 2001)

Rossini Enthusiasts: Rejoice!

Michael J. Mallon | Brooklyn, NY United States | 10/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rossini's "L'Equivoco Stravagante", an "Opera Buffa in Two Acts", was written in 1811, when the composer was 19 years of age. Although not as ingenious as "Il Barbiere", it contains certain charms that most Rossini works possess. The listener will recognize the composer's capricious, jovial style at once: the fiorituri, the "mile-a-minute" singing, the "signature" crescendi... all delightful elements of early Rossini. This particular recording is outstanding. The orchestra (The Czech Chamber Soloists), conducted by Alberto Zedda, performed wonderfully and did justice to Rossini's brilliant orchestration. The two main soloists, Petia Petrova ( Ernestina) and Dario Schmunck (Ermanno) sang extremely well, bringing their parts alive and dazzling the listener with their extraordinary technique. The supporting characters, as well as the chorus sang remarkably as well. This recording is, to my knowledge, the only one of it's kind (i.e., fully digital (DDD), in-print, and available in the US.) It does not have the "early stereo" sound quality of most Italian imports (the only other recording of this work that I'm familiar with is an Italian import, recorded in the 70's) and although it is a live recording, the listener will not be driven mad by incessant coughing, applause during the music, etc. I have only one qualm with this recording: It does not include an English translation to the Italian libretto (which is included.) Although this may be rather disappointing to some, I feel the buyer should attempt to follow the story using the English synopsis. Chances are, you will not find a recording with an English translation of the libretto anyway. Still, this recording, despite it's one deficiency, would make an excellent purchase for any Rossini fanatic."