Today’s musical selection is Act 2 of L’Infedelta Delusa, a Haydn opera set in the Tuscan countryside. It may have premiered on 26 July 1773. If so, Haydn was 41.
As I found with Act I, the vocal performances are superb, and the recording is likewise excellent, despite it being recorded some 40 years ago. Brilliant Classics does nothing half-assed. They have a world-wide reputation for offering high-quality recordings at extremely reasonable prices.
And, no, they’re not paying me to say that. (I sure wish they would.)
Act II opens with Sinfonia, a wonderful musical composition that sets the stage for the story that follows.
Track 3 (“Recitative: Sbrigati! – Vengo”) and Track 4 (“Aria: Ho un tumore”) feature some truly expressive, over-acted-even-for-the-stage performances. I’m not sure what the story is at this point (it’s in Italian, remember?). But the soprano performances (especially in Track 4 from Magda Kalma as Vespina) are really interesting, to say the least. Lots of shrillness. And emotive expressions.
As I discovered listening to Haydn opera awhile ago, I’m an aria kinda guy. I love hearing the individual performers show off. Even when they’re acting out roles that seems more comedic than is my taste. They’re still a joy to hear because of their talent.
Track 7 (“Aria: Tu sposarti alla Sandrina”), with a solo performance by Filippo (tenor Istvan Rozsos) is also quite good. He has a tremendous voice. Powerful and clear.
Track 9 (“Aria: Trinche vaine allegramente”), with a solo performance by soprano Magda Kalmar as Vespina is terrific, too. I do so love listening to sopranos and tenors!
Speaking of which…
Track 11 (“Aria: Oh che gusto!”) features very, very tasty performances by tenor Attila Fulop and soprano Magda Kalmar.
I had not heard of Magda Kalmar before starting my journey through the works of Haydn. I’m glad I discovered her because I’ll likely seek out more of her work.
Here is the cast from the premiere performance in 1773:
The Cast (today):
Vespina: Magda Kalmar soprano
Sandrina: Julia Paszthy soprano
Filippo: Istvan Rozsos tenor
Nencio: Attila Fulop tenor
Nanni: Jozsef Gregor bass
The Orchestra:
Liszt Ferenc Chamber Orchestra, Budapest
Frigyes Sandor, conductor
Recording Location:
Esterhazy Castle, Eisenstadt
Bottom line: This was one of the most consistently excellent of the Haydn opera to which I’ve listened. I’ll have to give this one the seal of approval as a category designation: Favorite Haydn Opera.
Here’s what I heard today (the exact same performance):
That YouTube clip contains the entire opera. Yesterday was Act I up to about 1:06:43. Pick up after that point and you’ll hear Act II. Enjoy!