La Scala di Seta by Rossini – Opus Arte (DVD)

UPC: 0809478040231

Product Features

• Title: La Scala di Seta (The Silken Ladder) by Gioachino Rossini
• Conductor: Marc Andreae
• Orchestra: Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
• Harpsichord-master: Martin Derungs
• Stage Director: Filippo Crivelli
• Set Design: Peter Bissegger
• Costume Design: Franca Zucchelli
• Recorded: Filmed at the Palazzo dei Congressi, Lugano, Switzerland
• Running Time: 97 minutes
• Picture Format: NTSC, 4:3
• Audio Format: Stereo
• Subtitles: English
• Region Code: All regions
• Publisher: Opus Arte

Overview

Gioachino Rossini's delightful one-act opera, La Scala di Seta (The Silken Ladder), is one of his early masterpieces, known for its sparkling overture and comedic farce. This Opus Arte DVD captures a lively 1983 performance at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano, Switzerland, directed by Filippo Crivelli and conducted by Marc Andreae.

The opera tells the story of Giulia and Dorvil, who are secretly married against the wishes of Giulia's tutor, Dormont. Every night, Dorvil visits his wife by climbing a silken ladder she lowers from her balcony. The opera’s fast-paced plot is filled with disguises, romantic confusions, and comical misunderstandings, leading to a humorous resolution when the couple finally reveals their marriage.

This production features an excellent cast, including Carmen Lavani as Giulia, Ernesto Palacio as Dorvil, and Tullio Pane as Dormont. The Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana delivers a lively and dynamic performance, with Marc Andreae bringing out the bright energy and musical wit of Rossini’s score.

Cast

• Giulia: Carmen Lavani
• Dorvil: Ernesto Palacio
• Dormont: Tullio Pane
• Lucilla: Tiziana Tramonti
• Blansac: Mario Chiappi
• Germano: Roberto Coviello

Interesting Facts

• La Scala di Seta is the third of the five one-act operas Rossini composed for the Teatro San Moisè in Venice, all of which were farse, or comic operas, full of lively action and witty characters.
• The overture to La Scala di Seta has become one of Rossini’s most popular works, frequently performed as a standalone concert piece.
• Filippo Crivelli’s direction embraces the playful spirit of Rossini’s comedy, enhancing the farcical elements with quick pacing and energetic staging.
• This performance was filmed by Swiss Television RTSI and has been beautifully restored for this Opus Arte DVD release.

Track Listing

1. Act 1 - Introduction, Scene, and Aria
2. Act 2 - Duets, Finales, and Resolution

Publishers

• Opus Arte
• RTSI Swiss Television

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