But what is it about?
The story is based on that of Anne Pedersdotter, Norwegian woman accused of witchcraft who perished at the stake in 1590.
But it is transposed in Ravenna in the 7th century. Silvana, daughter Agnese witch, and second wife of Basilio, exarch (= governor) of the Byzantine emperor, maintains a relationship with his son-Donello.
Basilio died of a heart attack and is accused by Silvana Eudossia mother of Basilio, of causing his death by witchcraft. She is about to be paid but Eudossia hounds Silvana which is ultimately doomed to perish at the stake, fate had already known his mother Agnese.
Question one is musical atmosphere near Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov
The most intimate scenes are interspersed with scenes where the orchestra and choirs raged in the sound and fury.
With uncommon intensity as at the end of Act I.
Act 2 sees relative calm settle. Everything will break out again in Act 3 again that showcases vocals ...
No big name known in the distribution, which does not prevent them to be at a very good level. I especially appreciated the voice of soprano Maria Coleva (Silvana), baritone Carlo Tagliabue (Basilio) and mezzo Luica Danieli (Eudossia) curiously forgotten in the back of the CD credits.
Good conducting, maybe sometimes a little eager, Francesco Molinari-Pradelli at the head of the symphony orchestra and choirs of RAI.
The sound of the capture in August 1955 to live is acceptable. It's good to have him out of oblivion where she slept for over 50 years.
It is found in the inner booklet as a short text, a brief summary of three acts, the names of the soloists at the back of the case. And that's it.
I recommend this production primarily for opera itself and the quality of its interpretation, despite its dated and a minimalist presentation.
