I see that Liverpool has launched its reign as European City of Culture with a performance of the unlikely patriotic opera “Emilia di Liverpool”, by Donizetti. That’s always been a favourite of mine, principally for the famous tenor aria of Geraldo*”Non Mai Piú Andrai Solo” – that wonderful swelling line “Andate, andate, con esperanza nel cuore” before the final climax. And then the gentle, lullabyish Chorus of Dockers “Dolce far niente”. The final confrontation, “Dove Son’ I Miei Hubcaps?” is also one of Donizetti’s most memorable. There is also a deeply moving scene set in “a small Alpine village near Liverpool” – probably somewhere on the Wirral – which shows the great Italian’s mastery of diversity; the contrast to the Act II quartet of Giorgio, Paolo, Giovanni and Ringo could not be greater.
Bravo, il Maestro Scousetto!
*e i Fattori di Pace
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