Donizetti: Francesca di Foix
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Composer: Gaetano DonizettiConductor: Antonello Allemandi
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
Performer: Annick Massis
Performer: Bruce Ford
Performer: Jennifer Larmore
Performer: Pietro Spagnoli
Performer: Alfonso Antoniozzi
Performer: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Edition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2005-05-10
Music Label: Opera Rara
Music reviews of Donizetti: Francesca di Foix
Music Review: A delightful little piece by Donizetti revealed by a superb cast
Rating: 5 Stars
Opera Rara has distinguished itself in presenting rarely heard works with superlative performers and very informative booklets. This case is no exception: this delightful little piece by Donizetti sparkles with the cast and orchestra on this recording. Francesca di Foix, a one act opera that was a failure at its premiere, receives here a first rate treatment, revealing that the work is not bad at all. It even have tunes that were used later in the second act of the famous L'Elisir d'amore. The silly plot involves a foolish count who in his profound jealousy decides to make his beautiful wife Francesca a virtual prisoner, telling the King and the court that she is secluded because she is very ugly and course. The King,a Duke and a page cousin of Francesca concocted a plan to reveal Francesca and teach the Count a lesson, all with a happy ending. The music is sparkling and includes some clever ideas, like the funny duet between Francesca and the Duke and a final scene where the King has the cavatina and Francesca the cabaletta. All this is served superbly by the performers. The London Philarmonic Orchestra, under Antonello Alemandi, bring crisp support to the singers. Alfonso Antioniozzi as the Count projects a voice that conveys perfectly the foolishness of his character. Pietro Spagnoli brings a handsome tone and good command of the belcanto line to the King, with a fine rendering of his arias. Bruce Ford, as always, bring a virile tone and total command of his technique. He is specially effective in the duet with Francesca and in his own fine aria. Jennifer Larmore bring a fine voice and tremendous technique to the role of the page; even when her role is not large, she makes the best of her participation, especially in the Canzonetta del paggio. Now the best for last: the lovely French coloratura soprano Annick Massis has a voice of such beauty and technical mastery that make you wonder if she is human or an angel. In the title role, Massis makes the most of every scene she is in, from her first aria until the final rondo, bringing a perfect command of the belcanto style. And those high notes! The higher she goes, the most beautiful the voice sounds. Massis also has an excellent Italian diction and is totally involved in the text. In particular, this is evident in the duet with the Duke, where Francesca is told what her husband is saying of her. Massis says the word "Vendetta" in an expressive manner going from a high D to a low Bflat in chest voice, showing her anger. I hope that Opera Rara produces a solo recording with Massis soon. This a delightful recording that would please all fans of Donizetti and great singing.
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