Rossini: Armida (complet opera recorded in 2022)

The story of Armida had already inspired around 70 composers by the time Rossini took it on both as an opportunity to measure himself against his colleagues, and as a special role for soprano Isabella Colbran with whom he had recently started a relationship. The narrative of Armida sees the arrival of a beautiful noblewoman at a Crusaders' camp, asking them for help and protection. She claims that her throne has been usurped by the evil Idraote. However, she is in fact the sorceress Armida in disguise - and secretly in love with the heroic Rinaldo. This acclaimed Rossini in Wildbad production was admired for its 'near magical casting' (Interlude.hk).