Donizetti L'esule di Roma | Rizzi, Alaimo, Shagimuratova, Romanovsky | Opera Rara, Britten Sinfonia 

SYNOPSIS The action takes place in Rome under the rule of Emperor Tiberius. ACT 1 A public square surrounded by palaces, temples and monuments. A triumphal arch. A view of the Campidoglio. On the right, the vestibule of Murena’s house. The Roman populace hail general Publio, who has returned triumphant from Sarmatia. Publio is betrothed to Argelia, the daughter of the senator Murena; the crowd calls forth the senator, who appears outside his house. However, in a lengthy aside (‘Eccomi a voi...’), Murena admits that he cannot join the rejoicing. Some time before, for personal gain, he helped Sejanus (Emperor Tiberius’s henchman) to condemn to exile the innocent Settimio, who loved and was loved by Argelia. The crowd is perplexed by Murena’s evident agitation, but then renews its celebration of Publio (‘Lauro d’eterna gloria’). Publio then speaks from his chariot (‘Se della patria’), extolling his victory and anticipating his marriage to Argelia. He anxiously questions Murena about Argelia’s continuing affection; the senator reassures him and they prepare to go in triumph to the Campidoglio (‘A quel Dio’). Before he and Publio depart Murena again betrays his forebodings about the future, feelings that are noticed by Publio and make him also become anxious. They and the crowd disperse to an orchestral reprise of the victory chorus. Settimio appears, wrapped in a cloak. He has returned secretly to Rome to see Argelia (‘Aure di Roma!...’) and now expresses his enduring love (‘Tacqui allor...’). Argelia appears, dismisses her attendants and privately admits her continuing love for Settimio. At this moment Settimio emerges, and the two lovers embrace (‘Fia ver?... Oh Ciel!’). Settimio insists that he was wrongly accused and punished, but will not tell Argelia who was responsible; they renew their vows to each other. Lucio appears with a group of soldiers: Settimio has been recognised and is led off under guard. Publio then appears and confronts Argelia with his suspicions about her feelings for him. She admits that she loves Settimio, and Publio generously offers to help the latter clear his name. As they depart, Murena appears, followed by Fulvio. Fulvio tells Murena that Settimio is in Rome and awaiting judgement by the Senate; Murena is again struck by terror. They depart for the Senate. The interior of Murena’s house. At the back, between columns, can be seen the street and some gardens. Argelia is anxiously awaiting news from the Senate. She is joined by Settimio, who has - with the help of Publio - been temporarily released and allowed to bid her a last farewell. He reveals that he has written evidence proving he was the victim of a conspiracy and tells his beloved that he knows the identity of his accuser. Murena’s followers appear, solemnly announcing that Settimio has been condemned to death by the Senate (‘Nel suol dove vagi’). Argelia begs Settimio to show her the evidence, and reluctantly he does so, thus proving to her that Murena was named first among the false accusers (‘Murena, il genitor...’). Murena then appears and the act ends with a prolonged Terzetto (‘Ei stesso... La mia vittima...’). Settimio reveals his proof to Murena, who offers to help him escape with Argelia. But Settimio refuses, preferring to meet his death in Rome. ACT TWO The interior of Murena’s house. The act opens with a chorus of Murena’s followers, lamenting their leader’s distracted state (‘Non v’e... di qua parti...’). Murena staggers on, driven mad by remorse at the thought of Settimio being thrown to wild beasts (‘Al mio delitto’). Publio and Argelia are then seen in conversation, the former still hoping to intercede on behalf of Settimio. Leontina emerges, graphically describing Murena’s mental collapse. Murena, returning, continues his ravings (‘Vagiva Emilia ancora’). He asks Argelia for the letter that incriminates him, wanting to use it for his own destruction; but she rips it to pieces before his eyes and proudly asserts her filial devotion (‘Porgi que’ fogli...’). A dark underground place. Settimio is in prison, awaiting execution (‘Nudo terren’). He sings of his love for Argelia (‘S’io finor, bell’idol mio’) but is interrupted by jailers, who announce that he is to be taken to his place of execution. He proclaims that he will die willingly (‘Il proscritto!’). Another square, this one bisected by the Tiber, over which is a magnificent bridge. Lucio and Publio discuss the forthcoming spectacle; the chorus describes the grief of Murena and Argelia at the approaching death of Settimio (‘A un pianto!’). Settimio is seen crossing the bridge. Argelia begs for her own death (‘Morte! Ah pria che l’una’), but the scene is invaded by a group proclaiming that Settimio has been saved. He appears with Murena, announcing that the lion to whom he was thrown remembered him from a past encounter in which he had saved the beast’s life. Murena announces that he confessed his misdeeds to Tiberius but has also been pardoned, although removed from the Senate. Argelia sings a final aria of rejoicing (‘Ogni tormento, qual nebbia al vento’). (c) 2024, Roger Parker

This is FANTASTIC. Well prepared. Important piece in GD's development.

This is a magnificent opera and very well done. Totally new to me. I have to say, I am very impressed with the soloists. They are outstanding. Let me tell you, this is a fantastic recording and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you so much for uploading this marvelous opera. Love your channel.

Thank you so much for this wonderful Donizetti! Bonjour de Bordeaux !

Can’t wait to buy it 😊

Getting to know this wonderful opera over the weekend. ✨

Than you, Opera Rara. Saludos desde Madrid🤗

I was fortunate to see this cast perform L’Esule at the Cadogan Hall and it’s a joy to hear this wonderful work again. A true milestone in Donizetti’s development

😍 Albina !