fyglia

The Biblical story of Belshazzar's hubristic arrogance set against the valour of the young warrrior-leader Cyrus provided the 20-year-old Rossini with a dramatic story with West-Eastern resonances which still speak to us today. For the title role of Cyrus, Rossini wrote what would be his longest-ever contralto role, to which the great Rossini singer Ewa Podles is both naturally attracted and ideally suited. She is partnered by two young stars of Rossini singing, Jessica Pratt and Michael Spyres, and a conductor-scholar, Will Crutchfield, of immense experience and sympathy.



CAST:
Ciro – Ewa Podles
Amira – Jessica Pratt
Baldassare – Michael Spyres
Zambri – Mirco Palazzi
Argene – Carmen Romeu
Arbace – Robert McPherson
Daniello – Raffaele Costantini
Ned Keene – George von Bergen

REVIEW:
'In the title role, the booming contralto Ewa Podles gives the kind of old-style, intensely felt performance that is her trademark. As Amira, the soprano Jessica Pratt established herself in two daunting arias as a brilliant new presence on the bel canto scene.'' New York Times

Works on This Recording
Ciro in Babilonia by Gioachino Rossini
Performer: George Von Bergen (Baritone), Raffaele Costantini (Bass), Carmen Romeu (Soprano), Robert McPherson (Tenor), Ewa Podles (Alto), Jessica Pratt (Soprano), Michael Spyres (Tenor), Mirco Palazzi (Bass)
Conductor: Will Crutchfield
Orchestra/Ensemble: Bologna Teatro Comunale Chorus, Bologna Teatro Comunale Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1812; Italy