COMPOSERS: Rossini
LABELS: Decca
WORKS: Torvaldo e Dorliska Overture; Siege of Corinth Overture; Otello Overture
PERFORMER: National PO/Riccardo Chailly
CATALOGUE NO: 443 850-2 DDD(1981/85)
Three rarities add interest to this generous compilation of miniature masterpieces. They are the overtures to Torvaldo e Dorliska, a dramma semiserio (1815), in which a tune from the Cenerentola overture (not on the disc) makes an appearance; Otello (1816), one of Rossini’s less memorable operatic introductions; and the stirring Siege of Corinth, on the topical (in 1826) subject of Greek independence from Turkish rule.
Apart from these, it’s a selection of the most famous examples, delivered with superior playing and in limpid sound, bringing out the fine detail of Rossini’s writing. Riccardo Chailly proves an energising conductor. George Hall