Glyndebourne Live: Il barbiere di Siviglia

In the mid-20th century, in Fucecchio, near Florence, Buoso Donati, an elderly collector and wealthy antique dealer, has just passed away. He lies in his bed, surrounded by relatives feigning grief. They are all worried, as the deceased has bequeathed his entire fortune to a monastery. They search frantically for the will. The young Riniccio, Donati’s nephew, finds it but agrees to show it to the family only if they promise to let him marry Lauretta, the daughter of Gianni Schicchi, a local figure of dubious reputation. Everyone accepts the condition and discovers to their horror that the rumour was true: the monks are set to inherit the fortune. Riniccio suggests calling on Schicchi for help, much to the family’s disgust. Summoned, Riniccio arrives at the house accompanied by his daughter. He proposes keeping the death a secret, taking his place, and instructing a doctor and a notary to alter ‘his’ testamentary dispositions. But has the hunter become the hunted? Not so sure...

An impoverished knight is at odds with his rich but miserly father

Alessandro Corbelli takes the title role in Annabel Arden's whirlwind production of Puccini's compact opera, in which the scheming Gianni Schicchi retrieves for himself the spoils of a disinherited family to pave the way for his daughter to marry her love.

Donizetti's L'Elisir d'amore in a colorful version signed Annabel Arden. A pastoral romance between Adina, the rich and gorgeous landowner, and Nemorino, a simple peasant, L'Elisir d'amore sets Tristan and Iseult's love potion at the center of the action. With Ekaterina Siurina, Peter Auty, Alfredo Daza, Luciano Di Pasquale and the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Maurizio Benini's baton. Revival of production first performed 12 October 2007. This recording is of performances 12/15 August 2009.