Bianca e Fernando, commissioned for the inauguration of the Carlo Felice Theatre in 1828, was composed at the start of Bellini’s career as one of the most important opera composers of the 19th century. The superb music for this dramatic story of filial love, wicked intrigues and triumph over tyranny was received with the ‘jubilation and admiration of the citizens of Genoa’ and greatly admired by the likes of Donizetti, earning Bellini recognition throughout Italy and beyond. This acclaimed first modern performance brings to light precious lost pages of music, reviving the original ‘splendid celebration’ of its premiere.

‘Bellini’s lesser-known opera is successful in Genoa in a futuristic setting. …The conductor Donato Renzetti led the orchestra of the Genoese Foundation with a steady hand, imparting sparkle and brio to the complex score…’ – www.gliamicidellamusica.net

‘…There are two strong points of this brand-new edition ... The first is the recovery of the entire symphony written for Genoa in 1828 with the addition of a second section in Allegro ... it is the first time that this prelude, of unexpected beauty and increasing vehemence, opens the opera…. …The second strong point is the magnificent direction by Hugo de Ana…’ – Il Secolo XIX

Cast:
- Bianca: Salome Jicia (soprano)
- Fernando: Giorgio Misseri (tenor)
- Filippo: Nicola Ulivieri (baritone)
- Carlo: Alessio Cacciamani (bass)
- Clemente: Giovanni Battista Parodi (bass)
- Viscardo: Elena Belfiore (mezzo-soprano)
- Eloisa: Carlotta Vichi (mezzo-soprano)
Recording place: Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova, Italy
Recording date: 30 November 2021
Sung in Italian
Notes: Italian, English