Gioacchino Rossini

L'Italiana in Algeri (No. 4: Act I)

Premiering on May 22, 1813, at the Teatro San Benedetto in Venice, L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was a success, with subsequent performances in Vicenza, Milan, and Naples. It was later performed at His Majesty's Theatre in London in 1819, and again in New York in 1832. Rossini's mixture of opera seria and opera buffa is notable — L'italiana in Algeri tells the tale of Isabella, an Italian girl who uses her wiles to trick unwitting Mustafà, the Bey of Algiers, into freeing her and her lover, Lindoro from his palace. The opera itself fell somewhat out of favor in the 19th century but has been revived frequently since World War II with many successful productions. The sorrowful cavatina Cruda sorte! Amor Tiranno! takes place in Act I, and serves as the introductory aria of Isabella, who finds herself shipwrecked in Algiers. The aria is preceded by the chorus Quanto Roba! Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 2.2.0.0: Str (4-4-3-3-3 in set): Solo Contralto: Mixed Chorus.