PAMPANlNl (Soprano)
The WIRELESS ORCHESTRA
Conducted by AYLMER BUESST
ONLY the Overture of this Opera now survives. It is interesting, however, to recall that the opera itself made something of a success when given under Rossini's own direction at the King's Theatre, .London, in 1824, after being a somewhat discouraging failure on its original production at Venice the year before.
The Overture begins with a vigorous measure where strings and woodwind combine, over a continued roll on the drums, to build up a thrilling climax. Then there comes a more slowly moving section, based on a duet which is sung in the opera by the heroine Semiramide, Empress of Nineveh, and Arsace. This slower section is followed by another Allegro which brings the work to an end with all Rossini's usual brilliance and energy.
IN this sad-hearted song, listeners will remember, Butterfly, deserted by her lover
Pinkcrton, sings of her steadfast faith that he will one day return. She tolls of how she will go to meet him, hiding at first, and then springing out to greet him joyously.