Search - Nicolai, Begemann, Penttinen :: Otto Nicolai: Il Templario, Opera In 3 Acts

Otto Nicolai: Il Templario, Opera In 3 Acts
Nicolai, Begemann, Penttinen
Otto Nicolai: Il Templario, Opera In 3 Acts
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #2


     
?

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Nicolai, Begemann, Penttinen, Jackson
Title: Otto Nicolai: Il Templario, Opera In 3 Acts
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Cpo Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2009
Re-Release Date: 9/29/2009
Genre: Classical
Style: Opera & Classical Vocal
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 761203743421
 

CD Reviews

A revelation....
B. Cathey | Wendell, NC United States | 10/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Otto Nicolai is justly famous for his comic masterpiece, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. The present recording of his unknown opera, IL TEMPLARIO, demonstrates that he was not just a "one opera" composer. IL TEMPLARIO, produced in 1840, received at least 80 productions between its premiere year and 1879, and in over twenty countries. It was considered part of the staple repertoire. Yet, like so many other 19th operas, it disappeared from the boards in the late 19th century.



The Chemnitz Opera and the Robert-Schumann Philharmonie make a very strong case for IL TEMPLARIO; indeed, for me it was a revelation. I think most opera lovers are always wondering if there might be some unknown work of genius that will someday be discovered. IL TEMPLARIO comes as close to filling that bill as anything I've heard in many years.



IL TEMPLARIO, based on Sir Walter Scott's IVANHOE, was written originally as an Italian opera, and shows the strong influence of Bellini--the flowing lines, the elegant "bel canto" orchestration; but, as the extremely helpful notes indicate, one can hear a bit of Spontini and Weber in Nicolai's music. The vocal writing is very impressive, and although I didn't recognize the Chemnitz singers, they are all quite good. The American Stanley Jackson--the Vilfredo de Ivanhoe--has a long and demanding scene almost at the beginning, but he handles the music very nicely. A wonderful "preghiera" for Rowena in Act III is truly captivating. But it would be unfair to single out just two of the principals: EVERYONE does very well.



I've listened through IL TEMPLARIO now four times, and I shall continue to go back to it. And each time I come to the same conclusion: this is a very fine opera, well written, and in this lovingly-produced issue, well sung and presented. Excellent notes and multi-lingual libretto are included.



Highest recommendation!"