Il Domino Nero

Lauro Rossi is not exactly a household name among opera buffs. Indeed, the New Penguin Guide to Opera doesn't even list him. He was prominent and successful in the mid 19th century and, based on this opera, his work does not deserve to be forgotten.Il Domino Nero is a curious work. Though Rossi came from the bel canto era and is apt to be considered a bel canto composer, this opera, dating from 1849, sounds more like a mixture of Verdi and Sullivan than of Bellini or Donizetti, more in line with (later) operettas (though there is no spoken passages and little recitative) than with the opera buffa of, say, Rossini or Donizetti. That said, the opera contains much interesting music -- not great, but certainly worth hearing, more so than much of Verdi or Donizetti. It should be great musical theatre and one would like to see a revival. (There does not appear to be a DVD of the 2001 production that is recorded here.)The forces in this recording are not outstanding, but they are more than adequate. Indeed there is some lovely and distinguished singing, especially by soprano Chiara Taigi who has a marvellous voice. The booklet is a model of its kind, with a well-done and informative commentary on Rossi and the opera, a libretto in Italian and English and some information of the cast (though that is only in Italian.)I've enjoyed listening to this recording several times and expect to enjoy hearing it several times more.

If you like the Bel Canto period this is a delightful opera to add to your collection. The only downside is the quality of the sound, rather muted. The singing is very compitent and orchestra playing precise. The CD does not include the libretto or story recap.

Italian composer and musician Lauro Rossi (1812-1885) is even less well known that Pacini and Mercadante, who, at least, arguably, are recognized as important Italian operatic composers. Yet Rossi composed works of genuine worth and beauty, perhaps none more interesting and entertaining than his opera IL DOMINO NERO. By the late 1840s and '50s Verdi had established his dominance in "serious" opera. Like the Ricci brothers (in CRISPINO E LA COMARE), Pedrotti (TUTTO IN MASCHERA), and Gaetano Braga (IL RITRATTO), Rossi concentrated largely on opera buffa. IL DOMINO NERO was premiered in 1859, and was an immediate hit, and remained in the repertoire until the late 1870s. The present recording is quite fine, with vocal contributions that range from very good to excellent. In particular soprano Chiara Taigi, Spanish tenor Luis Damaso, and Mario Buda make a very strong case for its revival. In particular the second and third acts are quite beautiful. Detailed notes, cast bios, and a bilingual Italian-English libretto are included. Lovers of late Donizetti and early Verdi will enjoy this release greatly. Recommended.