Rossini - Torvaldo e Dorliska (Victor Pablo Pérez) [2007] RE-UPLOAD

The first modern revival of Rossini’s Torvaldo e Dorliska was a broadcast by RAI on February 2, 1976. I was one of the founders of Voce Records, and in the late 1970s we released that performance on LP. It was conducted by Alberto Zedda and featured Lella Cuberli, Pietro Bottazzo, Siegmund Nimsgern, and Enzo Dara. In 1992 a public concert version was released on the Arkadia label, which I have not heard. Now two new recordings have appeared, one from Naxos, which was reviewed in Fanfare 30:3 in January of this year, and this new critical version by Francesco Paolo Russo from the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro in 2006.
Torvaldo e Dorliska is classified as an opera semiseria. The evil Duke who is enamored of Dorliska believes he has killed her husband Torvaldo in a duel. Dorliska comes to his castle and is befriended by Giorgio and his sister Carlotta. Torvaldo, who is alive, arrives at the castle in disguise, but when Dorliska recognizes him, the Duke puts Torvaldo in prison. Giorgio helps Torvaldo, and the people rise up against the Duke who is arrested and led away. Torvaldo and Dorliska rejoice in a happy ending.
This performance is better than the Naxos issue. Michele Pertusi is a firm-voiced Duke, in contrast to the hollow sound of Michele Bianchini. Francesco Meli has a stronger voice than the more lyrical Huw Rhys-Evans, and is proficient in the fioritura with which Rhys-Evans has problems. Both sopranos are good, though Darina Takova is more lyrical than Paola Cigna. Bruno Praticò is an excellent Giorgio. Víctor Pablo Pérez’s conducting is representative of a mastery of Rossini’s style.
The sound is excellent and the booklet contains notes and a libretto with an English translation that provides a better understanding of the opera. Although this opera is not one of Rossini’s best works, I agree with David L. Kirk that the music is consistently enjoyable. Rossini-lovers should not hesitate. Strongly recommended.

FANFARE: Bob Rose

Performer:
Dorliska - Darina Takova
Duca d'Ordow - Michele Pertusi
Torvaldo - Francesco Meli
Giorgio - Bruno Praticò
Carlotta - Jeannette Fischer
Ormondo - Simone Alberghini
Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento
Prague Chamber Choir
Conductor - Víctor Pablo Pérez