Search - Gaetano Donizetti, Giuliano Carella, London Philharmonic Orchestra :: Donizetti - Il diluvio universale

A stunning work!

Brett Farrell | Cape May, NJ USA | 04/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a wonderful opera! I'm surprised I haven't heard anyone write about this yet. I've had it on my wish list of operas to get since it came out but only just got it today and I must admit I wish I had bought it sooner. This piece has it all. Everything you expect from Donizetti and more. The entire opera delivers the excitement and splendour that make almost all of Donizetti's operas genuine treats to listen to.

The orchestra and preformers all do a great job and bring much to the opera. As per usual with all opera-rara albums there is a thick book with a complete history and libretto and a huge box.

As for the opera itself it starts with a wonderful sinfonia and from there a haunting and brilliant Introduzione and from there it just keeps going and keeping with all expectations you may have. And when you get to track 8 "Si, quell' arca nell'ira de'venti" you instantly recognise where Donizetti got his theme for "La fille du regiment".

The opera is about the famous flood of the bible and Noah and his family with a small subplot thats not in the bible but necessary to spice the piece up for the italian opera audiences of the day.

All in all this is a wonderful opera/oratorio (90% opera 10% oratorio despite Donizetti's intentions) and extremely enjoyable to listen to. For Donizetti fans and opera fans alike."