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The first vocal piece, the introduction, is represented by the piece from Rossini's first opera, "La cambiale di matrimonio". The introduction from the five one-acters is important because it quickly sets up the main conflict: in the presented except Tobia Mill (bass) receives a blank marriage contract from a Canadian businessman, Mr. Slook; although quite surprised, Mill announces to his servants Norton and Clarina that he intends to accept the contract on behalf of his daughter Fanny. The introduction is usually written as a terzet or includes three singers. Only in "L'inganno felice" do we get only two singers. As per tradition, a Rossini intro is multi-sectioned: a short duettino for Norton and Clarina - a cavatina for Mill (an interesting touch; Rossini's introductions frequently include one of the obligatory arias for the main quartet of singers) - a terzettino for all three. The structure of the other pieces is no less interesting: in "L'inganno" we get a duettino for bass and soprano separated by an aria for the soprano; in "L'occasione" we get a duettino for the two basses, an arioso for tenor and a final terzettino to round out the scene; "Il signor" includes a cavatina for tenor and his subsequent duettinos with mezzo and soprano; "La scala" features a duet for soprano and bass and their terzettino with mezzo. Bruno Pratico, Francesco Facini and Valeria Baiano merrily skip through the presented except. Enjoy :)! |
