Search - Thomson Smillie, Alberto Zedda, Collegium Instrumentale Brugense :: Opera Explained: An Introduction to Rossini's Tancredi

Gioachino Rossini was already experiencing success when he composed Tancredi, based on Voltaire's play Tancrède of a half century earlier, but the success of this dramatic opera took his career to the next level. A classic story of two young lovers who seem to have all of the fates working against them, from tumultuous family trouble to turbulent political hardship, the timing was right for this opera to capture the essence of the public spirit at its 1813 premiere. Rossini's fresh approach to writing Tancredi, which certainly showcases the technical abilities of the singers, also exposes the most impressive ability for the voice to express every emotion. In this way, Tancredi was a true benchmark for 19th century opera to come, from both Rossini and his contemporaries.