After its successful premiere, Rossini’s opera Armida was quickly forgotten, only to be triumphantly revived by Maria Callas in 1952, and it has been considered a masterpiece ever since.

This performance, with primarily Italian forces, has all the wit, charm, beauty and sparkle that any Rossini opera can wish for. Some big names here: Cecilia Gasdia, Chris Merritt, William Matteuzzi and Ferruccio Furlanetto. This is a great addition to the Brilliant Classics Opera Collection.

Armida's plot of knightly duties, love and supernatural worlds (foreshadowing Weber in places) inspired the Rossini to write some of his most original and inimitable music, with unusual combinations of instruments and some beautiful extended solos for cello and violin. The love music is undeniably heartfelt and sincere; Rossini’s inspiration may have been assisted by his romantic involvement with the soprano Isabella Colbran, a major star of the time and the first to perform the title role.