This recording of Bellini's Zaira is of the 2012 performance at Martina Franca. This is only the fourth production in modern times. Zaira began as unsuccessful, although perhaps unjustly so. The composer did not even enter the stage for final bows at the premier because his music was received so poorly. This is due in part to Bellini turning down libretto by Luigi Torrigiani, who was soon after appointed as "composer and overseer of performances," and sought revenge on Bellini. The vocal style of this opera has been called by some "expressive athleticism." Trills, turns, filaturas, and mordents test the vocalist's skills in this production.

Tracklist:

Zaira, Act I: Act I: Gemma, Splendor Di Solima (Chorus)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Per Chi Mai, Per Chi Pugnasti … Il Mio Zel La Trovera (Corasmino)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Recitative: Della Mia Gioia A Parte … Amo Ed Amata Io Sono (Zaira)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Non E, Non E Tormento (Zaira, Fatima, Chorus)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Zaira, Te Sua Sultana Gia Saluta (Orosmane, Zaira, Fatima, Nerestano)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Recitative: Vieni L'albergo E Questo (Castiglione, Nerestano)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Chi Ci Toglie Ai Ceppi Nostri? (Chorus)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Trio: Zaira! A Che Vieni, Infedel? (Nerestano, Zaira, Lusignano)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Qui, Crudele, In Questa Terra (Lusignano, Zaira, Nerestano, Chorus)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Recitative And Duet: Liberi Tornin Tutti (Orosmane, Corasmino, Meledor, Nerestano, Zaira)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Oh! Qual Vibrasti Orribile (Nerestano, Zaira)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Quartet: Ah! Qual Suon! (Orosmane, Zaira, Corasmino, Nerestano)
Zaira, Act I: Act I: Io Sapro Da Qual Deriva (Orosmane, Zaira, Corasmino, Nerestano, Chorus)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Che A Te Mi Guidi Amore (Orosmane, Zaira)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Duet: Deh! Se Tu M'ami, O Barbara (Orosmane, Zaira)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Piu Non E (Chorus)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Vieni … O Zaira! In Quel Momento (Castiglione, Nerestano)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Si, Mi Vedra La Barbara (Nerestano, Castiglione, Chorus)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Duet: Abbia L'estinto … E Pur Ora Al Mio Cospetto (Orosmane, Corasmino)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Corri, Vola, E In Questo Scritto (Orosmane, Corasmino)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Che Fia? Mi Lascia! … (Zaira, Fatima)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Poni Il Fedel Tuo Martire (Zaira, Fatima, Chorus)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: Ah Crudeli, Chiamarmi Alla Vita (Zaira)
Zaira, Act II: Act II: E Notte Alfin … O Mia Zaira! Or Seguimi … Un Grido D'orrore (Orosmane, Corasmino, Zaira

UPC: 8007068256525
Label: Bongiovanni
Release Date: 2.12.16
Format: CD

Bellini / Hernandez / Orchestra Internazionale - Bellini: Zaira (2 CD)