Rossini: Overtures - Antonio Pappano

Rich Italian flavours from a quintessentially Italian orchestra. John Suchet's Album of the Week, 20 October 2014.

Here's a dazzling collection of the best of Rossini's overtures, recorded by the great Sir Antonio Pappano with his Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. 

Alongside such favourites overtures as The Barber of Seville, William Tell and La Cenerentola, there are lesser known Rossini curtain-raisers here from La Scala Di Seta, Il Signor Bruschino, Semiramide and Le Siege De Corinthe.

Hear Charlotte Green's interview with Antonio Pappano > 

There's also a bonus in the little-known chamber-scale piece, Andante E Tema Con Variazioni In E-Flat Major.

Pappano believes that his orchestra has a 'direct line' to the composer, truly grasping the humour, verve and drama that his music demands. Certainly this album demonstrates Pappano's ability to get a splendid, Italianate singing tone and warmth from the players, especially the superb wind soloists.