Sublime and ridiculous
Up until only a couple of years ago, Pergolesi reputation as an opera composer rested mainly on a few comedies and Intermezzi, most notably La Serva Padrona and Lo frate 'nnamorato. Historically, these are important works that took opera away from the rigid formalism of traditional classical subjects, but they don't stand up as well now as some of the other works revived by Pergolesi-Spontini Foundation (most notably the composer's incomparable L'Olimpiade). Lo frate 'nnamorato, one of Pergolesi's earliest works, now seems quite typical of the genre that he helped create.
There's a complicated web of romantic entanglements in the opera where everyone is in love with someone who doesn't love them, only for the situation to be resolved by late revelations about lost relatives, secret identities and unexplained mysterious backgrounds. The difference here is of course is the humour and the social...
Charming !
Lo Frate 'Nnamorato is Pergolesi's first comic opera. The music is fresh and enchanting throughout and the use of Neapolitan dialect adds pleasure. In particular, the aria with flute obbligato that opens the third act is stunning beautiful.
The musical performance is superb. The orchestra conducted by Fabio Biondi, plays with energy and enthusiasm. All the singers are wonderful.
The opera's plot was transferred to the 20th century, but it was done in a very graceful and effective way and looks completely natural.
Highly recommended !
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