Literary buffs might have recognised the title of this opera for what it is: a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. It is also a resetting of material of Bellini’s previously unsuccessful opera Zaira. There was a good reason for this: he had to finish it in six weeks for the carnival season in Venice. He made it, and the opera celebrated it’s premiere at La Fenice in that city in 1830.
Between 1830 and 1860 the opera was a raging success. About every opera house in Italy wanted to program it, and the success of the premiere led Bellini to say My style is now heard in the most important theatres in the world…and with the greatest enthusiasm. The opera was followed by further masterpieces La sonnambula and Norma.
Even though I don’t know the conductor at all, I think this is a good recording. I really enjoyed listening to it. Probably because of the lack of fame, I couldn’t find a version of it on Spotify.