Bellini / Hernandez / Orchestra Internazionale Zaira CD

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.

1. Act I: Gemma, Splendor Di Solima 2. Act I: Per Chi Mai, Per Chi Pugnasti... Il Mio Zel la Trovera 3. Act I: Recitative: Della Mia Gioia a Parte... Amo Ed Amata Io Sono 4. Act I: Non E, Non E Tormento 5. Act I: Zaira, Te Sua Sultana Gia Saluta 6. Act I: Recitative: Vieni L'albergo E Questo 7. Act I: Chi CI Toglie Ai Ceppi Nostri? 8. Act I: Trio: Zaira! a Che Vieni, Infedel? 9. Act I: Qui, Crudele, in Questa Terra 10. Act I: Recitative and Duet: Liberi Tornin Tutti 11. Act I: Oh! Qual Vibrasti Orribile 12. Act I: Quartet: Ah! Qual Suon! 13. Act I: Io Sapro Da Qual Deriva 14. Act II: Che a Te Mi Guidi Amore 15. Act II: Duet: Deh! Se Tu M'ami, O Barbara 16. Act II: Piu Non E 17. Act II: Vieni... O Zaira! in Quel Momento 18. Act II: Si, Mi Vedra la Barbara 19. Act II: Duet: Abbia L'estinto... E Pur Ora Al Mio Cospetto 20. Act II: Corri, Vola, E in Questo Scritto 21. Act II: Che Fia? Mi Lascia! 22. Act II: Poni Il Fedel Tuo Martire 23. Act II: Ah Crudeli, Chiamarmi Alla Vita 24. Act II: E Notte Alfin... O Mia Zaira! or Seguimi... Un Grido D'orrore