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Crescentini, the Castrato of Napoleon

Summary

Concert
  • Saturday October 2nd 2021
  • Royal Opera
  • 7pm | 2h with intermission
Homepage Crescentini, the Castrato of Napoleon

Cast

Franco Fagioli Countertenor

Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal

Under the high patronage of Madame Aline Foriel-Destezet

Stefan Plewniak Soloist and conductor

Presentation

The castrato Girolamo Crescentini (1762-1846) was the last true star of his vocal category, which disappeared at the beginning of the 19th century. The greatest Italian composers wrote operas specifically for him: Cherubini (Pimmalione, 1809), Cimarosa (Gli Orazi e i Curiazi, 1796), and especially Zingarelli (Giulietta e Romeo, 1796) brought Crescentini to European fame, from Milan to Vienna and Paris, performing the great heroic roles. Napoleon often wept upon hearing him and gave him the greatest honors and affection.

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Here, he is embodied by a singer unmatched today for his vast vocal range, virtuosity, and expressiveness, which bring the first bel canto to life at its pinnacle. Franco Fagioli thus magnificently bridges the tradition of the castratos and the great singers of the following century.

 

With the exceptional support of Madame Aline Foriel-Destezet

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Programme

Arias from Giulietta e Romeo by Niccolò Antonio Zingarelli, bravura arias of the first bel canto – repertoire of Crescentini

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Niccolò Antonio Zingarelli (1752 – 1837)

Giulietta e Romeo : Ouverture

Giulietta e Romeo : “Qual sarà il mio contento… Ciel pietoso” (air de Roméo et chœur)

Antigone : Ouverture

Giulietta e Romeo : “Ecco il luogo, ecco l’urna” (air de Roméo)

Giulietta e Romeo : “Idolo del mio core… Ombra adorata aspetta”  (air de Roméo)

 

Entracte

 

Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868)

Elisabetta, regina d’Inghilterra : Ouverture

Semiramide : “Eccomi al fine in Babilonia” (air de Arsace)

Pierre Rode (1774 – 1830)

Concerto pour violon  n°1 : final Polonaise

 

Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868)

La Donna del lago : “Mura Felici“ (air de Malcolm)

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The Royal Opera of the Château de Versailles

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