by Paul J. Pelkonen
Rossini gives you wings: a scene from Semiramide.
Photo by Winnie Klotz © 1990 The Metropolitan Opera, courtesy the press department.
What is Semiramide?
Written in 1822, Semiramide (the title is pronounced "Seh-mi-rah-mi-day") is Rossini's final opera for the Italian theater. It is a rarity at the Met, revived only when a soprano comes along who can soar the heights of the demanding title role. This staging is the Met's first staging of the opera since 1993.
What's the story?
Based on a famous play by Voltaire, this is a story of a succession crisis that bedevils the Kingdom of Babylon. Eventually the crime at the opera's heart is revealed, evil is punished and virtue rewarded. It has been argued elsewhere that the rather old-fashioned libretto is the last gasp of the baroque opera style, even though the music is worlds away from the style of Handel and Rameau.
What's the music like?
Rossini was a master of the bel canto style. Arias are strict and formal, with a slow section (cavatina) followed by a fast cabaletta that offers the singers opportunity for vocal display and virtuosity. The tunes will stay with you as Rossini was one of the most masterful composers of the flowering of Italian opera in the early 19th century. Opera-goers take note: the first act of this extravaganza is an hour-forty, so be sure you go to the bathroom before it starts.
Who's in it?
The bel canto specialist Angela Meade sings the title role, and her performance in this most difficult of Rossini leading roles is the reason to see this. She is surrounded by stars. Tenor Javier Camarena, bass Ildar Abdrazakov as (the bad guy) Asur and Elizabeth DeShong in the trouser role of Arsace make this one of the more impressive casts of the season. Maurizio Benini conducts in his reliable, unexciting rum-ti-tum style.
How's the production?
This is an Italian grand opera on the largest possible scale, with a JBabylonian setting similar to Verdi's Nabucco. It appears here in an old-school production, originally by veteran director John Copley and designed by John Conklin. Mr. Conklin delivered simple representational sets that attempt to give a sense of visual splendor to locales like the Temple of Baal and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
When does the show open?
The first performance of Semiramide is February 19.
Where do I get tickets?
Tickets are available through MetOpera.Org or by calling the box office at (212) 362-6000. You can save service fees by going to the box office in person at the Met itself, located at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza. Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10am-8pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm.
What recording do you recommend?
There are a few recordings of Semiramide floating around, as the role is attractive to a superstar soprano with a big vocal budget and the chutzpah to carry off the title role. Of these, the ever-reliable Joan Sutherland added another crown to her gallery of famous operatic monarchs. Conducted (as she was in almost all her recordings) by her husband Richard Bonynge, the set also features Marilyn Horne.
