Bellini: Zaira

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.