Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749–1838)

This libretto, a comedy, is a little complex- but I still found it to be appealing. There are many twists and turns to it and, for a modern reader, it offers a glimpse into the aristocratic intrigues that revolved around the heights of the time that this was composed. I read an edition that had the original Italian libretto next to it, so it was also useful in teaching me a few Italian words at the same time.

Worth it! 3.5 stars.

CHECK SHELVES

CD and accompanying book. Excellent performance, plus an informative short book with archive illustrations of famous performances/performers.

Not sure if it's my familiarity with the material or that Tatiana Troyanos can enunciate the hell out of her part. Her tone is just a bit too mellow for a very young man, but ee-by-gum you can understand everything she says. Fischer-Dieskaw as the Conte comes off dark throughout. Surely there's room for some lightness. Delightful recording that includes some arias often left out of staged productions.