Die Italienerin in Algier by Rossini, Ab (2023/2024), Unter der Regie von Ekaterina Malaya, Dirigat Valery Gergiev, Arman Tigranyan, Mariinsky Theatre, Sankt Petersburg, Russland

By the whims of the sea and the caprice of the Bey of Algiers the beautiful Italian Isabella finds herself captive. However, it's not in the nature of this fiery beauty to bow to fate or men: she easily outwits two suitors to reunite with a third, simultaneously saving a married couple from divorce and numerous compatriots from slavery. What a character! In his first full-scale opera buffa L’italiana in Algeri (1813), Gioachino Rossini entrusted the lead role to his favorite voice – the coloratura contralto – and his beloved women (or rather, one of them), the magnificent Marietta Marcolini. The deep and rich timbre in the role, brimming with fantastically virtuosic flourishes, captivates from Isabella's first cavatina – Cruda sorte, leading up to the phenomenal ensembles and the proud patriotic rondo Pensa alla patria. Rossini is equally generous with other soloists: for the cantante bass, agile and melodious, he composed the challenging role of the duped Bey Mustafa; for the di grazia tenor, a luxurious role full of high notes for Lindoro, featuring the wonderful exit aria Languir per una bella, preceded by an elegiac horn solo. The other characters also have their standout moments, but when they come together in ensembles, the score sparkles so dazzlingly it takes your breath away, especially in the famous finale of the first act – with its onomatopoeic chaos of "ding-ding! boom! bang-bang! caw-caw!": truly, as Stendhal said, organized perfect madness! By foregrounding the soloists Rossini also made his opera populous: it teems with singing concubines and eunuchs, corsairs and janissaries, Berbers and Italians. In this "sea of the most unstrained comedy" (Stendhal), there are islands of tender lyricism and reflection: Rossini can amuse, astonish, dazzle, and also touch and inspire. "But the blue evening darkens, it's time for us to hurry to the opera, there awaits the breathtaking Rossini..." Following the advice of the classic is definitely worth it! Christina Batyushina