I just finished listening to Giovanni Pacini's "L'ultimo giorno di Pompei", a piece that was considered one of his earliest masterworks. Just as a point of interest, I decided to post a few of the pieces from the work to give you an idea of what it is all about.
The story is quite interesting, even if the librettist wasn't able to make much of it: Sallustio, a rich and admired citizen of Pompeii (on the eve of the eruption of Vesuvius), has been elected by the people as the head magistrate. His coming into power is to happen that very day. But, unknown to Sallustio, the tribune, Appio, has fallen in love with his wife, Ottavia, who turns down his offers. The vengeful Appio then plots with an accomplice, Publio, something very unusual: after Sallustio has vowed to punish all who have done wrong during the ceremony, Appio and Publio accuse Ottavia of adultery (Publio's son is hidden among the handmaidens of Ottavia and quickly "confirms the fact"). Even after Ottavia manages to explain everything to her husband, the latter is forced to sentence her to being buried alive. Thankfully, Publio confesses to his crimes, and Ottavia is saved. Vesuvius promptly erupts, as Ottavia and Sallustion with their son escape the city.
Overall, the opera is a good example of an early romantic opera. The music is written completely in the framework of the belcanto idiom: cabalettas succeed arias, the all-important Act One finale and the central ensemble of Act Two are very much in presence; the soprano gets two full arias etc. etc.. To be honest, the opera is not a masterpiece on the scale of, for example, "Maometto II": it is never truly less than melodious but the characters don't stray too far from their respective archetypes; much of the music is pretty routine; and the plot, though possibly interesting, is rather thinly developed... But, like in most such works, it has several very interesting and rewarding pieces. For me, that would have to be Ottavia's duets, first, with Appio, then, with her husband; the rather arresting act one finale; and a dark and foreboding ensemble of reaction to the eruption of Vesuvius. The work also features an excellent chorus just before Ottavia is about to be buried.
We start with a duet for Ottavia and Appio. It occurs just as Appio has announced his feelings to his love. The duet primarily deals with Ottavia's rejection of her would-be suitor and his subsequent fury at being turned down . The piece is a classical succession of "moderato - andante - allegro" but it's a rather good one at that.
Raul Gimenez and Iano Tamar sing the main roles in this particular except. Enjoy :)!
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