Rossini: L’Italiana in Algeri (2-CD) – Hannah Ludwig

Composer: Gioachino Rossini
Artists: Hannah Ludwig, David Oštrek, Miloš Bulajic, Manuel Walser, Eroica Berlin
Conductor: Jakob Lehmann
Number of Discs: 2
Label: Pan Classics
Release Date: March 30, 2024

Gioachino Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri is one of the composer’s best-known operas and has lost none of its rousing freshness and energy since it premiered in 1813. At the end of 2022, conductor Jakob Lehmann and his Eroica Berlin orchestra presented Rossini’s music at the Delphi Theatre according to the latest knowledge of historical performance practice. 

“This creates a fresh, detailed, cooler, brilliant but also airy sound in comparison to conventional performances... The agogics and the pleasurable ritardandi, the portamenti and the short, dry staccati also show that the musicians have studied earlier practices in depth. The music is played here as we learn it from early 19th century sources.” (Merkeronline) 

Mezzo-soprano Hannah Ludwig stands out from the international ensemble of young singers in the leading role. “As Isabella, she dazzles with a luminous tone that is also well blended in the lower register, has agility, but also the necessary dramatic impetus. A singer who is a pleasure.” (Merkeronline)

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