In Rossini's charming opera buffa, a poet named Prosdocimo—who is determined to find a plot for a comedy in the adventures of a band of Neapolitan gypsies—gets more than he bargained for after the arrival of Turkish prince Selim sets off a series of romantic entanglements involving heartsick gypsy woman Zaida, flirtatious matron Fiorilla, and her cuckolded husband Geronio. After many intrigues, all ends well, with love finding its true course and the poet satisfied with his plot. Il Turco in Italia is an ensemble opera (the few arias include so-called “arias of obligation,” pieces written by an unknown collaborator mainly to satisfy the demands of certain artists for vehicles to showcase their talents) presented here in a delightful traditional production boasting sprightly direction, attractive costumes, and a cleverly staged set that allows the ensemble singers to be placed to comic advantage. Filmed live at the Teatro Rossini in Pesaro, Italy as part of the Rossini Festival, Il Turco in Italia features Bruno Taddia as Prosdocimo, Marco Vinco as Selim, Elena Belfiore as Zaida, Alessandra Marianelli as Fiorilla, and Andrea Concetti as Geronio, backed by the Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento under the baton of Antonello Allemandi, as well as the Prague Chamber Chorus. Often overshadowed (unjustly) by Rossini's L'Italiana in Algeri, Il Turco in Italia is rarely performed, making this fine production (with Dolby Digital 5.0, Dolby Digital stereo, and DTS sound options) a welcome arrival. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Il Turco in Italia
(2007) 165 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99. Naxos of America. Volume 24, Issue 3
Il Turco in Italia
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