The expression ‘vocal teamwork’ would simply not have been understood in the 1800’s – yet the development of the operatic form in the 19th century was to a large part dependent on the increasing sophistication of vocal technique and operatic ensemble writing. And ensembles mean teamwork.
With the mastering of the ensemble form a number of things happen. We see it being used to advance plot and witness therefore the gradual disappearance of the recitative. But the most significant contribution of the ensemble was the opportunity it afforded composers to convey the simultaneous and differing emotions of the protagonists.
We have here many different kinds of ensemble, starting with the elaborate formality of the duet from Rossini’s Bianca e Falliero, and concluding with the emotionally charged nonet from Donizetti’s L’assedio di Calais. Between these is a specially chosen selection of pieces, which shows that this was indeed the great century of ensemble writing. We hope we have been able to convey some of that greatness by offering you these beautiful examples from Opera Rara’s acclaimed recordings.