La Cenerentola, Quarantined
Need to know
Rossini composed 38 operas over his short 19 year career. His first complete opera, La combiale di martrimonio, was in 1810 at the age of 18 and his last opera, Guillaume Tell, premiered in 1829.
From the beginning of his career, Rossini revealed himself to be a skillful and original composer of overtures. He used the same sonata form that the Viennese masters used for the first movements of their symphonies, but that is were the similarity ended. His style was unlike anything heard anywhere in Europe, even in Italy his sound became instantly recognizable. Here are a few links to Rossini’s opera overtures: Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola, Italian Woman in Algiers, Guillaume Tell.
FUN FACT! Rossini died at the age of 76, but months before his death, he was able to celebrate his 19th birthday, turns out the composer was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 1792. Read more fun facts about Rossini here.
The Fairytale of Cinderella is one of the oldest stories of all time with the first published version dating back to 7BC by the name of Rhodopis. The story of good hearted protagonist suddenly experiencing fortune has versions around the globe, but the version most recognize in European/Western culture is by the French writer, Charles Perrault. Read more about Cinderella versions here.
Read a little bit more about Rossini from Florentine Opera’s Quarantine page of The Barber of Seville.
Did you know, Florentine Opera’s 2020 student tour included music from Rossini’s La Cenerentola as well as music from French composers Massenet and Viardot. Listen to this amazing Cinderella mashup here.
A cocktail for the Ball!
In honor of La Cenerentola, we present to you a Grand Royal. It’s champagne elevated by the wonderful orange cognac liqueur Grand Marnier. Watch John build this versatile cocktail here.
Ingredients: 3/4 ounces Grand Marnier, Champagne, Orange Twist for garnish. Directions: Add Grand Marnier to a champagne flute or coupe and top with Champagne. Garnish with Orange twist. Enjoy!
Synopsis
We all know the story of Cinderella right? Well we do and we don’t, there are so many versions of Cinderella from around the world that its best to stay open when it comes to the specific plot. In Rossini’s La Cenerentola variation of the fairy tale, the wicked stepmother is replaced by a stepfather Don Magnifico. The Fairy Godmother is replaced by Alidoro, a philosopher and tutor to the Prince. Cinderella is identified not by a glass slipper but by her bracelet. The supernatural elements that traditionally characterize the Cinderella story, the pumpkin turning into a coach, Cinderella magically dressed in a gown for the ball, were removed from this libretto, simply for ease of staging. Special effects aside, Rossini’s musically magically tells the story, and spoilers, everyone lives happily ever after!
Read the full plot from the Met.
Stream the show
La Scala’s 1981 production starring Frederica Von Stade
Glyndebourne Festival Opera’s production starring Kathleen Kuhlmann
More listening
“Non più mesta” the finale to La Cenerentola is a tour de force of mezzo coloratura. Here are a few links of the great Divas that have sung this iconic role. *Each artist is a separate link: Cecila Bartoli, Joyce DiDonato, Elina Garanca, Frederica Von Stade
Don Magnifico’s aria “Miei rampolli femminini” sung by Alessandro Corbelli.
Dandini’s patter aria “Come un’ape ne’ giorni d’aprile”
Don Ramiro’s aria “Si ritrovarla io giuro” sung by Lawrence Brownlee.