Details

Based on the play L'Arlesienne by Alphonse Daudet. First performed 27th November 1897, Teatro Lirico, Milan. More earthy and rustic than Adriana, L'Arlesiana fits more into the verismo traditions typical of the work of his contemporaries such as Mascagni and Leoncavallo - but still features the Cilea trademark of wonderful orchestral and choral passages. The opera features one of the great tenor arias of the repertoire in Federico's Lament (solita storia nel pastore) and is blessed too with a powerful character in Rosa Mamai whose Esser Madre e un inferno is an operatic tour de force. The story tells of Federico and his tragic descent into despair when his love for the almost mythical Girl from Arles of the title runs a less than smooth course. The opera brings to heartbreaking life the torment of his mother and her desire to protect her son from this doomed love affair. Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Cast/Performers

Rosalind Plowright, Vasilly Savenko, Sean Ruane, Kate Ladner, William Peel, Nicholas Todorovic, Zoe Todd

Creatives/Company

Music: Francesco Cilea
Lyrics: Leopoldo Marenco
Company(s): Cadogan Opera, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Holland Park
Director: Jamie Hayes
Conductor: Charles Peebles
Design: Peter Rice
Lighting: Roger Frith