La Pietra del Paragone

This early 1812 opera by Rossini—the first he wrote for La Scala in Milan—boasts a very silly double-disguise plot. In the first act, a wealthy count pretends to be a Turkish creditor in order to determine which of three young widows truly loves him as opposed to his money. In the second, the one woman who's proven herself turns the tables, testing the count's fidelity by appearing in the guise of her soldier brother, and threatening to take “his sister” away. But while the libretto is clearly no masterpiece, the 20-year-old composer had ample opportunity to demonstrate his gift for effervescent melody: The Touchstone—as the title is usually translated—abounds in lovely arias and lively ensembles that are quite pleasant, albeit also in the service of a pretty ridiculous plot. This 2007 performance from the Teatro Real in Madrid is more dutiful than inspired. The singing is agreeable, and the Madrid Symphony's playing is committed, but Rossini specialist Alberto Zedda's conducting emphasizes energy over elegance, and the production—in modern dress, set around a swimming pool, with the singers occasionally pointlessly venturing out into the audience—is only mildly diverting. Featuring solid camerawork and fine sound (in DTS and LCPM stereo), DVD extras include an illustrated plot synopsis, a cast gallery, and interviews with Zedda and director Pier Luigi Pizzi. Optional. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)