Another Piece of Convincing Evidence as to Why One Should Love Bel-Canto

We are now back to some original content. Hooray!

Below is a short clip from the Act One Finale of a real rarity: L'Ultimo Giorno di Pompei by Pacini. (The plot of this opera is not without interest to Classicists in the audience and, to my ears, Pacini has included a number of odd-sounding marches that are meant to evoke the Roman mileau.) He wrote this opera in the 1820's. The recording from which this clip comes is a good performance of a very fun piece. I recommend it to you. I listened to the whole thing yesterday morning and was most pleased. You can check out the entire recording here.

The clip features the talented (if a tad bit wild) Iano Tamar as the lead (as you will hear). I like the way Pacini writes an assertive and cutting line for his prima donna. Teh ok! Then when she is done with her bit the chorus bounces in with some very catchy music which has some insinuating chromaticism that falls so sweetly upon the ear (or on my ear at any rate). You know, the bel-canto masters will insert little things here and there in their works that will enchant the listerner if he or she is susceptible. I am terminal in this regard and Pacini is very, very good.

Here is the clip. Enjoy!