Rossini - Overtures / Alberto Zedda, Wolf-Dieter Hauschild, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra

Rossini is deemed to be the most successful opera composer of his time. His overtures, in the majority of cases created last-minute before premiere, are truly masterpieces. Their fascinating rhythm, as well as their dramatic and vivacious melodies make the overtures some of the most often played pieces of classical music. Here, the Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart performs under some of its leading conductors, such as Alberto Zedda, known as the foremost Rossini expert, Uri Segal and Wolf-Dieter Hauschild.

All these performances are exceptionable and in some case are simply magnificent. I would single out the contribution of the cello section in the opening of the 'William Tell Overture,' and particularly the solo playing of its unnamed principal cellist. Additionally the principal oboist in 'La Scala di Seta,' the English hornist in 'William Tell,' the trombones and tuba in 'The Siege of Corinth,' the principal clarinetist in 'Cenerentola' and 'Barber of Seville,' the piccolo and bassoon in 'The Thieving Magpie,' and the violins throughout should come in for special praise. Among the conductors I would say that whenever Uri Segal takes the podium something a little extra seems to spark the playing of the ensemble, more rhythmic point and dynamic variety.

1.  La scala di seta - Overture
2.  La Cenerentola - Overture
3.  Il barbiere di Siviglia - Overture
4.  Tancredi - Overture
5.  La gazza ladra - Overture
6.  L'italiana in Algeri - Overture
7.  Le Siége de Corinthe, 'Assedio di Corinto' - Overture
8.  Semiramide - Overture
9.  Il turco in Italia: Overture
10. Guillaume Tell - Overture
11. Guillaume Tell - Ballet music

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