Mayr: Ginevra di Scozia

Giovanni Simone Mayr is remembered today as the teacher of Donizetti. Born in Bavaria, he came to Italy at the end of the 18th century and became one of the most respected composers in the country. His operas were performed at the best theatres and with the best casts. What is it about Mayr that is so interesting? First of all, he is said to be the missing link in opera – that composer who completes the connection from Mozart to Rossini. The Teatro Nuovo in Trieste opened on April 21, 1801, with the first performance of Mayr’s opera.

The bicentenary of this occasion was celebrated with a new production of the same work and Opera Rara went to Trieste to record the initial performances of this important revival. The cast is led by French soprano Elizabeth Vidal who tackles the stratospheric role of Ginevra with ease (and Es – a bushel of them!!). As the hero Ariodante, Daniela Barcellona confirms her place on the roster of talented, young artists emerging from Italy. Antonino Siragusa, likewise, is representative of the new generation of bel canto tenors.