Rossini: Mose in Egitto - Opera Festival Pesaro (2011) [Blu-ray]

This thought-provoking, modern-day interpretation of Rossini’s “Mosè in Egitto” sets the scene for superior music-making at the prestigious Rossini Festival in Pesaro. For conductor Roberto Abbado, the transposition of the action to the present day releases the energy of Rossini’s music. At his disposal is a cast of top-quality vocalists such as the “refined bel canto artist” (Bresciaoggi) Sonia Ganassi as Elcia, and the “outstanding” Dmitry Korchak as the Pharaoh’s son, two lovers fatefully drawn into the political turmoil and catastrophes of their time. Also among the protagonists are the “thoroughly brilliant” (DeutschlandRadio Kultur) baritone Alex Esposito as Faraone and, in his Rossini Festival debut, young, full-bodied bass Riccardo Zanellato as Moses. Conductor Roberto Abbado “inspired his musicians to deliver a spectacular performance” (Salzburger Nachrichten).

This is the premiere of the opera on DVD & Blu-ray.

The second release on Opus Arte from the acclaimed Pesaro Rossini Festival; a highly contrasting production following the release of La Scala di Seta.

Alex Esposito, who was recently acclaimed as Papageno in the La Scala production of Magic Flute, stars as Pharaoh.