“La ricordanza”

Vincenzo Bellini, "La ricordanza"
Lunga Eric Hallam, tenor; Enrique Mazzola, piano

Dating from 1834, "La ricordanza" ("The recollection") was included in a collection of four Bellini songs to texts by Carlo Pepoli, who would eventually serve as librettist of Bellini's final opera, I puritani. The song presents a memorable melody for the tenor voice that Bellini subsequently gave to Elvira, heroine of his final opera, I puritani (written the year after "La ricordanza"). The centerpiece of Elvira's celebrated mad scene is the despairing, achingly beautiful cavatina "Qui la voce," which epitomizes Bellini's unique expressive eloquence. Bellini developed that aria from "La ricordanza," with its gentle andante pacing and lovely arpeggiated accompaniment.

As happens so often in the Italian art-song repertoire, we have a lover begging his beloved to have pity on his suffering. She asks that he find consolation by putting his hand on her heart. Only then will he know how much she loves him. Believing that nothing could be more beautiful to him, he feels that he could die at that moment.

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*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker