Category: Featured Operas

By early 1835 Giovanni Pacini had written almost fifty operas during the course of a career launched in 1813. He was tired and he was discouraged. Not only had his earlier works been overshadowed by the force of Rossiniís musical personality, but even after the departure of the Pesarese from Italy in 1823, Paciniís star did not shine brighter. In his fascinating Memoirs, the composer examined these years and acknowledged his own limitations. Though the first performances of his Irene, o Líassedio di Messina (Naples, Teatro San Carlo, 30 November 1833) were largely rescued by the singers, Pacini knew the creative vein he had been mining was empty. Maturing under the spell of Rossini, he had not yet shown himself to be more than an able follower: ìI began to realize that I should withdraw from the field.óBellini, the divine Bellini, and Donizetti had surpassed me.î