La Semiramide
Gran Pourrí
nell'opera
La Semiramide
ADD 15, PP.56.3
The "ADD" in the catalog citation indicates that this was one of several works who were "lost" or forgotten until I prepared a database of the Cremona concerts 1865-1874. Giachinno Antonio Rossini (1792-1868) is chiefly known today by his several comic operas. While Ponchielli presented numerous excerpts and overtures from Rossini operas, this is the only "commentary" he produced, and an opera seria at that. Semiramide was premiered in 1823 in Venice. In spite of its nineteenth-century date, it is decidedly Baroque in its style and sensibility - "the last Baroque opera."
In spite of the "serious" subject matter of this opera, the musical gestures will be familiar to audiences in that the same "gestures" are to be found here.
The repertoire of the band actually includes a number of scenes and overtures from other Rossini operas. In the goal of this project, these works are not part of its parameters. They are, however, excellent examples of how much music can be made with a decidedly limited tonal palette when led by a genius.
Date on score: Sunday, December 12, 1867, in the morning
Performances: Sunday, November 8, 1868, Piazza Garibaldi; Sunday, December 5, Piazza Cavour; Sunday, December 19, 1870,Piazza Cavour; Thursday, May 19, 1870, Piazza Cavour; Thursday, September 8, 1870, Piazza Garibaldi; Sunday, December 4, 1870, Piazza Garibaldi; Sunday, September 8, 1872,Piazza Cavour.