Rossini - William Tell (FULL OPERA)

Описание: Gioachino Rossini – William Tell (1829) (1K special!)

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Gioachino Rossini's William Tell (Guillaume Tell) is his final opera and a crowning achievement of the bel canto repertoire. Premiered at the Paris Opéra on August 3, 1829, it is a grand opera in four acts based on Friedrich Schiller’s play Wilhelm Tell. The libretto, written by Étienne de Jouy and Hippolyte Bis, tells the story of the legendary Swiss hero William Tell and his role in the fight for Swiss independence from Austrian rule.

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Plot Overview:
Set in 14th-century Switzerland, the opera narrates the struggle of the Swiss people against the oppressive rule of the Austrian governor, Gessler. Key events include:

The romance between Arnold (a Swiss patriot) and Mathilde (an Austrian noblewoman).
William Tell's iconic act of shooting an apple off his son's head to demonstrate his skill and defiance.
The climactic Swiss rebellion and the ultimate overthrow of Gessler.

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Musical Highlights:

Overture:
The opera’s overture is one of the most famous in classical music, celebrated for its vivid orchestration and dramatic progression:

Dawn: A serene and pastoral opening featuring the strings.
Storm: A dramatic section portraying a fierce tempest.

Ranz des Vaches: A lyrical melody evoking Swiss herdsmen, played by the English horn.

Finale (March of the Swiss Soldiers): A triumphant, galloping theme representing the Swiss people's heroic uprising.
Vocal Highlights:

"Sombre forêt" (Dark Forest): A lyrical aria sung by Mathilde expressing her love for Arnold.

"Sois immobile" (Stay Still): William Tell’s poignant plea to his son during the apple-shooting scene.

"Asile héréditaire" (Ancestral Home): Arnold's emotional lament for his homeland, showcasing bel canto brilliance.

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Choral and Ensemble Numbers:

The opera features stirring choruses, including patriotic anthems and dramatic ensemble pieces that reflect the collective struggle of the Swiss people.
Themes
Freedom and Resistance: The opera explores themes of liberty, oppression, and the fight against tyranny.
Heroism and Sacrifice: William Tell’s courage and Arnold’s internal conflict highlight personal and collective sacrifices for a greater cause.
Love and Loyalty: The romantic subplot between Arnold and Mathilde intertwines personal relationships with political allegiances.

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Legacy:

William Tell marked the end of Rossini’s career as an opera composer, as he retired at the age of 37 despite his immense success.
The overture has eclipsed the opera itself in popularity, often performed as a standalone concert piece.
The opera’s ambitious scale and vocal demands make it a challenging work to stage, but it remains a revered masterpiece in the operatic canon.

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About the recording:

Recording year: 1972
Conductor: Lamberto Gardelli.
Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Chorus: Ambrosian Opera Chorus.
The cast includes major singers: Montserrat Caballé (Mathilde), Nicolai Gedda (Arnold/Arnaud), Gabriel Bacquier (Tell) and others such as Mady Mesplé (Jemmy).

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