Adriano in Siria

While Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's comic intermezzos to his serious operas are still performed, the longer works themselves are largely forgotten, making this 2010 revival from Jesi—the Italian composer's birthplace—particularly welcome. Written in 1732, Adriano in Siria offers a typically romanticized take on classical history: the Roman emperor Hadrian falls in love with the captive daughter of the Parthian king, which sets off a chain of deceptions and conspiracies (the ending—with Hadrian demonstrating his wise clemency—was de rigueur in the age of enlightened despots). Pergolesi endows this stock story with music of unfailing grace and vivacity, energetically performed by the Accademia Bizantina ensemble under Ottavio Dantone and stylishly sung by a cast of young, vocally agile soloists, led by mezzo-soprano Marina Comparato in the title role. With simple, effective sets and attractive costumes, this is a superb realization of an unjustly neglected composition. Adding to its value, the intermezzo Livietta e Tracollo—written as an addendum in 1734—is performed in the two intervals between acts. An amusing trifle in which a clever girl uses disguises to catch a thief whom she winds up marrying, the piece is performed with gusto by two singers and a small instrumental ensemble. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on Blu-ray) and LPCM stereo, extras include an intro to Adriano in Siria and a cast gallery. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)