Composer

:

Gioachino Rossini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1819

Average_duration

:

179:58

Bianca e Falliero is an opera in two acts composed by Gioachino Rossini. The libretto was written by Felice Romani and is based on a play by Carlo Prospero Defranceschi. The opera was composed in 1819 and premiered on December 26th of the same year at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The plot of Bianca e Falliero revolves around the love story between Bianca, the daughter of the Doge of Venice, and Falliero, a Venetian admiral. The two are deeply in love, but their relationship is threatened by political intrigue and the machinations of the Doge's advisor, Capellio. Capellio is determined to prevent the marriage between Bianca and Falliero, as he believes that it would weaken his own position at court. The first act of the opera opens with a chorus of Venetians celebrating the return of Falliero from a successful military campaign. Falliero is greeted by Bianca, and the two express their love for each other in a duet. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Capellio arrives and informs Bianca that her father has arranged for her to marry the Prince of Mantua. Bianca is devastated by this news and begs Falliero to help her escape. In the second act, Falliero and Bianca plan to elope, but their plans are discovered by Capellio. He accuses Falliero of treason and has him arrested. Bianca is forced to marry the Prince of Mantua, but she remains loyal to Falliero and refuses to consummate the marriage. Falliero is eventually released from prison and confronts Capellio, who confesses to his treachery. Falliero and Bianca are reunited, and the opera ends with a joyful chorus celebrating their love. Bianca e Falliero is characterized by Rossini's signature style of bel canto singing, with elaborate vocal ornamentation and virtuosic coloratura passages. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including duets, trios, and choruses, which showcase Rossini's skill at creating complex and dynamic musical textures. Despite its initial success, Bianca e Falliero fell out of favor in the years following its premiere and was rarely performed until the 20th century. However, it has since been revived and is now recognized as one of Rossini's most accomplished works.

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