From the Grand
Theatre, Geneva,
Rossini's opera to a libretto by Angelo Anelli. The lecherous Bey of Algiers wishes to divorce his own wife, force her to marry his Italian slave Lindoro, and take another Italian, the newly arrived Isabella, who is searching for her enslaved lover. Treachery, double-crosses and fiery passions all enliven this comedy, before Isabella commits her final act of subterfuge, duping the Algerians and spiriting away the Bey's European slaves. Sung in Italian. Introduced by Donald Macleod.
Chorus of the Grand
Theatre, Geneva
Lausanne Chamber
Orchestra, conductor Jesus Lopez-Cobos
9.15 Stendhal in nary
In 1817, the French writer Stendhal journeyed through Italy, writing down his impressions.
Frank Felsenstein introduces
Stendhal's visit to Florence, where the roads, language and people are much to his distaste. But then he meets Rossini. With Alex
Jennings as Stendhal.
9.45 Act 2