Wolf-Ferrari: I Quattro rusteghi - Olivero, Barbieri, Rossi-Lemeni; Gracis. Torino, 1969

Listen to a Sample:

I Quattro Rusteghi is certainly an odd work. Written in Venetian dialect it seems to be trying to continue the tradition of Venetian farces so popular in the early 18th century, despite having its premiere in Vienna in 1906. The characters are somewhat stock and seem to owe a lot to Commedia dell'arte models. Wolf-Ferrari embraces the buffo style while adding a more modern sensibility. The cast assembled makes a good case for the works merits and includes Magda Olivero, Fedora Barbieri and Nicola Rossi-Lemeni. The sound is good.

OD 10820-2