Metastasio redivivus

It was the late and very much lamented Patric Schmid, Opera Rara’s co-founder and, until his premature death a year ago, artistic director, who chose Pacini’s Alessandro nell’Indie for the company’s annual performance and recording of a little-known nineteenth-century opera. His immense knowledge of this repertory was unparalleled, and it allowed him to take his pick from literally hundreds of titles those which he considered most worthy of being heard today. Based on this performance, I can confidently say that he was right.

Alessandro nell’Indie was the first opera that Pacini composed for Naples’ Teatro San Carlo, where it was premiered in 1824. After a contrasted first night, the favour of the King of Naples, Ferdinand I, was visibly manifested at the second performance and propelled the work toward significant success.