Although it was Donizetti's first theatrical success, the original 1822 version of this violent love story was never given a complete performance because Amerigo Sbigoli, the tenor originally cast in the role of Abenamet, died shortly before the first night, with no replacement available. Donizetti quickly adapted this role for contralto, though omitting three numbers in the process. The first performance took place at the Teatro Argentina, Rome, on January 28, 1822. The opera was presented in a revised edition at the same theatre on January 7, 1824.

Roles

Synopsis

Place: Granada, Spain.

The murderous and duplicitous Almuzir wishes to marry Zoraida, the daughter of the late king, who in turn loves Abenamet, the victorious General of the Moors. To save Abenamet from the sentence of death passed on him consequent to the machinations of Almuzir, Zoraida agrees to the marriage. She survives Abenamet’s doubts as to her fidelity and somewhat implausibly is allowed to marry him.

Selected recordings

1998, Opera Rara, conducted by David Parry. 4 CDs, including the 1822 edition on CD 1, CD 2, and the first 9 tracks of CD 3; and the 1824 revisions on tracks 10-14 of CD 3 and all of CD 4. For 1822 edition, cast includes Bruce Ford as Almuzir, Majella Cullagh as Zoraida, Paul Austin Kelly as Abenamet, Matthew Hargreaves as Ali. For 1824 edition, same cast except mezzo Diana Montague now plays Abenamet.

External links

• Information and Libretto (Italian) 1
• Libretto (Italian) 2
• Amazon
• Opera rara
• Musicweb
• Answers