Opera for Everyone: Episode 119 – "Zoraida di Granata" by Donizetti

Release Date: June 17, 2024
Host: Pat Wright
Co-Host: Janet
Air Time: Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on 89.1 KHOL, Jackson, Wyoming
Cover Artwork: Rosie Brooks (www.rosiebrooks.com)

Introduction

In Episode 119 of "Opera for Everyone," hosts Pat Wright and Janet delve into the lesser-known Donizetti opera, "Zoraida di Granata." Aimed at making opera understandable, accessible, and enjoyable, the episode provides an in-depth exploration of this storied work, discussing its historical significance, plot intricacies, character dynamics, and musical brilliance.

Background of the Opera

"Zoraida di Granata" holds a pivotal place in Gaetano Donizetti’s illustrious career. Janet highlights, “[...] this opera is Donizetti's first success. It premiered in 1822 and basically launched Donizetti's opera career.” Pat adds, emphasizing its reception: “[...] the Romans went crazy for it. They were so excited about this 24-year-old composer who had given them all of this spectacularly gorgeous music” ([00:46]).

Despite being Donizetti's fifth opera, it was his breakthrough, celebrated enthusiastically by the audience in Rome. The host mentions, “the Romans didn’t cheer everyone. They cheered it. They carried him and one of the tenors through the streets after the third performance” ([02:07]).

Synopsis of "Zoraida di Granata"

Set in 1480 during the final years of the Reconquista in Spain, the opera intertwines themes of war, romance, and honor. The backdrop depicts the waning Muslim presence in Granada as Ferdinand and Isabella's forces close in. However, the essence of the opera remains a poignant love story rife with longing and emotional turmoil.

Key Plot Points:

• Al Muzir: The usurping king of Granada who desires to marry Zoraida.
• Zoraida: A noblewoman torn between her duty and love.
• Abenomet: A military hero and Zoraida’s true love, betrothed to her by her deceased father.
• Ali: Al Muzir’s loyal henchman.
• Inez: Zoraida’s Spanish slave and confidante.

The narrative progresses through intense interactions where Al Muzir schemes to separate Zoraida from Abenomet, leading to a series of confrontations that test the characters' honor and love.

Characters and Their Roles

• Al Muzir (Domenico Donzelli): The antagonist, a tyrannical king portrayed by the renowned tenor Donzelli. Pat notes, “He dominates in particular because the second tenor, the other tenor in this, our romantic lead, Abenomet, that role shrunk a little bit” ([26:41]).

• Abenomet (Paul Austin Kelly): The romantic hero, an honorable general in love with Zoraida. Originally intended for tenor Amerigo Spagoli, the role was adapted for contralto Adelaide Mazzanti after Spagoli’s tragic death ([27:03]).

• Zoraida (Magella Kala): The eponymous heroine, caught between her love for Abenomet and her forced engagement to Al Muzir.

• Ali (Matthew Hargreaves): Al Muzir’s deceitful henchman, whose actions complicate the lovers' plight.

• Inez (Cristina Pastorello): Zoraida’s Spanish slave, torn between her loyalty and the impending doom of her homeland.

Historical Context and Source Material

The opera is adapted from Jean-Pierre Clary de Florian's 1793 French novel, "Gonzalez of Cordoba or Granada Reconquered," and a Spanish play titled "Zoraida" (1798). Janet expresses enthusiasm about discovering this "rare gem," noting the opera’s exotic setting, “being in Bergamo, where Donizetti grew up [...] focus on the exotic, on the far away” ([10:05]).

The Romantic era's fascination with exoticism is evident, with Spain serving as an alluring backdrop far removed from Italian settings. This cultural lens enriches the narrative, providing vivid scenery and emotional depth.

Performance History and Recording Insights

The hosts discuss the original 1822 production and its challenges. Donizetti, initially planning for tenor Amerigo Spagoli, had to adapt the role of Abenomet to contralto Adelaide Mazzanti after Spagoli’s untimely death due to a burst blood vessel caused by competitive strain during rehearsals ([27:25]-[28:10]). This last-minute change impacted the opera’s composition, leading to cuts and adjustments that didn’t detract from its success, instead fostering audience sympathy.

The episode features insights into a 1998 London recording by Opera Rara, conducted by David Parry with the Academy of St Martin's in the Fields and the Jeffrey Mitchell Choir. The cast includes:

• Bruce Ford as Al Muzir
• Paul Austin Kelly as Abenomet
• Magella Kala as Zoraida
• Dominic Natoli as Al Mansour
• Cristina Pastorello as Inez

Pat and Janet praise the recording’s fidelity to Donizetti's vision, especially noting the use of tenors versus contraltos and the implications for modern performances.

Musical and Thematic Analysis

"Zoraida di Granata" exemplifies bel canto, characterized by its emphasis on beautiful singing and expressive melodies. Janet and Pat discuss how the opera juxtaposes beautiful music with intense emotional narratives.

Notable Musical Moments:

• Choral Overture ([05:35]): Sets the emotional landscape, portraying the populace’s weariness of war.
• Al Muzir’s Aria ([39:04]): A powerful solo reflecting his obsession with Zoraida and his inability to accept her love for Abenomet.
• Zoraida’s Lament ([34:42]): A poignant aria where she contemplates death over her forced union with Al Muzir.
• Duets and Trios ([40:20], [99:21]): Showcase the characters' conflicting emotions and the tumultuous relationships.

The hosts emphasize the opera’s exploration of honor, sacrifice, and the destructive nature of obsession, all conveyed through Donizetti’s lush melodies and dramatic orchestration.

Character Dynamics and Conflicts

The episode delves into the intricate relationships:

• Al Muzir vs. Abenomet: A conflict fueled by jealousy and ambition, leading to manipulative schemes.
• Zoraida’s Dilemma: Torn between duty and love, her character embodies the tragic heroine’s struggle.
• Inez’s Position: As a Spanish slave, her internal conflict adds layers to the narrative, paralleling Zoraida’s own struggles.

Pat highlights the opera’s ability to portray deep emotional conflicts through music, stating, “The fury and the grief is killing each of them and they blame each other. It's just terrible” ([42:34]).

Climactic Developments and Resolution

As the opera progresses, tension escalates:

• The Betrayal of Ali ([56:05]): Ali’s confession reveals Al Muzir’s deceit, forcing a confrontation.
• Trial and Duel: Zoraida is sentenced to death, but Abenomet intervenes in disguise, challenging Ali to a duel to save her.
• Al Muzir’s Redemption ([114:09]): Contrary to the novel’s tragic ending, the opera concludes on a redemptive note with Al Muzir expressing remorse and restoring Zoraida to Abenomet, symbolizing the restoration of order and love ([115:12]).

The hosts discuss the divergence from the source material, noting the opera’s alignment with bel canto conventions where resolutions often favor restored harmony over tragic endings.

Comparative Insights and Legacy

Janet draws parallels to other operatic works like "Aida," highlighting common themes of love, duty, and cultural conflict. Pat underscores the opera’s unique position as Donizetti’s first success, paving the way for his prolific career with over 70 operas.

Additionally, the hosts reflect on librettist Bartolomeo Merelli’s significant contributions, including his role in revitalizing Verdi’s career with "Nabucco" during a pivotal moment ([91:33]).

Conclusion

Episode 119 of "Opera for Everyone" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of "Zoraida di Granata," blending historical context, musical analysis, and character study. Pat Wright and Janet skillfully unpack the opera's complexities, making it accessible to both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Their passionate discussion underscores Donizetti's genius in weaving emotion and melody, reaffirming the enduring relevance of bel canto in conveying timeless human dramas.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat Wright: "I won't waste time telling you about the fate of the opera, as you will have heard of it from a thousand reports. I'll just limit myself to saying it was very happy." ([04:16])

• Janet: "It feels like I found a rare gem that I get to turn in my hands and look at and learn more about." ([05:16])

• Al Muzir in Aria: "Love must be silent. It is revenge that will speak." ([105:20])

• Zoraida to Abenomet: "I love you." ([97:14])

Final Thoughts:

"Zoraida di Granata" exemplifies the richness of bel canto opera through its dramatic narrative and exquisite music. This episode serves as a testament to Donizetti’s early mastery and the enduring power of opera to tell compelling, emotionally resonant stories.

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