Welcome to Just Opera UK. The music we are about to share is taken mostly from live recordings. At all times, the copyright belongs to the singers, orchestras and conductors of the pieces you will hear.
Riccardo Zandonai
FRANCESCA DA RIMINI
Amsterdam, Concertgebouw
25 November 2000
Francesca : Nelly Miricioiu
Paolo il Bello : Kaludi Kaludow
Giovanni lo sciancato : Paolo Gavanelli
Samaritana : Patrizia Orciani
Ostasio : Carlos Marin
Malatestino dall'Occhio : Carlo Bosi
Biancofiore : Klara Uleman
Garsenda : Monica Huisman
Altichiara : Johanna Duras
Adonella : Angelina Ruzzafante
Smaragdi : Cécile van de Sant
Ser Toldo Berardengo : Anthony Robins
Il Giullare : Andrea Zese
Il Balestriere : Anthony Robins
Il Torrigiano : Carlos Marin
Groot Omroepkoor
Radio Symfonie Orkest
Conductor - Giuliano Carella
The story takes place in Ravenna and Rimini.
Francesca, daughter of Guido I da Polenta, for state reasons, is to be married to Giovanni, known as Gianciotto, the malformed son of Malatesta da Verucchio. But as Francesca would certainly refuse to marry the lame and deformed Gianciotto, she is introduced in the first act, by means of a well-laid plot, to his handsome younger brother, Paolo, known as Il bello. Under the impression that Paolo is her destined bridegroom, Francesca falls deeply in love with him at first sight; he also falls passionately in love with her, although they do not exchange a single word.
The next act takes place on the platform of a tower of the Malatesti, while a battle rages between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Francesca, now married to Gianciotto, meets Paolo and reproaches him for the fraud practised on her. He begs forgiveness and reveals his intense passion for her. Gianciotto brings the news of Paolo's election as Captain of the People and Commune of Florence. Paolo departs for Florence.
In the third act Francesca, in her luxurious apartment, is reading the story of Lancelot and Guinevere to her women. They then dance and sing in celebration of the advent of Spring, until, on a whispered word from her slave, Francesca dismisses them. Paolo, sick with longing for her, has returned from Florence. He enters; they continue reading the story of Guinevere together, until, no longer in control of their feelings, they let their lips meet in a long kiss.
In the fourth act, Malatestino, Gianciotto's youngest brother, who himself lusts for Francesca, has discovered her secret meetings with Paolo. After Francesca refuses to give in to his sexual advances, Malatestino betrays Francesca and Paolo to Gianciotto, who determines to find out the truth for himself. Accordingly, Gianciotto lies in wait outside Francesca's door, and surprising her and Paolo together at early dawn, he slays them both.
It is important that we give our grateful thanks to those people who have over the many years taken into the opera houses and concert hall recording equipment. It is their daring and perseverance to capture a lot of these recordings that will stand the time long after we have all gone. Thank you for giving us these treasures.
Please always support these artists by buying their music either online or in your local music store (if you have one).
Please remember if you have an independent music store please support them by continuing to purchase cds, or if you are lucky vinyl. There are of course online stores as well.
Keeping music alive in the current situation is paramount to us all living a healthy life. Your feedback is important, and your comments are welcome for suggestions for future podcasts, complete opera recordings, concerts or recitals.
Music must live on always and by supporting artists of the past we will have artists of the future.
If anyone feels that these recording infringes any copyright issues please contact us and let us know and it will be deleted.
A lot of these recordings are already in the public domain - others have permission sought and granted by the performers.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.
