Bellini: La Sonnambula

Day 287

Bellini: La Sonnambula

Soloists

London Opera Chorus

National Philharmonic Orchestra

Richard Bonynge

I don’t know much Bellini. I did see a performance of Norma years ago but as far as I remember I haven’t heard any of his operas. I know some of the famous arias but that’s about it. As far as La Sonnambula is concerned I know the famous sleepwalking aria Ah non Credea from the recording by Adelina Patti, a fascinating glimpse into 19th century performance traditions and also the ensemble D’un Pensiero, which Sullivan parodied so brilliantly in Trial by Jury.

Bellini has a reputation as a melodist and there is no doubt that the finest parts of the score are the lyrical moments, particularly those where Bellini’s ability to devise melodies with a real overlay of dreamlike melancholy really has an impact. But some of the vigorous moments have an energy and momentum which creates a real sense of drive. But, as with many Italian operas of the period there is also a fair amount of what I call ‘painting by numbers’ music, where the composer goes into autopilot using all of the cliches of early-romantic opera. This is especially true of the end. After the beautiful atmospheric sleepwalking scene Bellini brings down the curtain with what can only be described as a ‘jolly knees up’ of a final ensemble. It really does jar.

All told, however, I really enjoyed the opera. I won’t displace my affection for Rossini but it certainly expands my knowledge of the broader Italian opera repertoire.