Description:

In the age of the internet it is now possible to find information on even the most obscure operas and composers, however in my research about Giulio Viozzi's Il Sasso pagano I had a hard time finding out anything about this very intriguing work. After Puccini’s death, many Italian composers sought to carve out a new path for their operatic tradition, yet none truly defined the direction it would take. Viozzi’s contribution should not be overlooked.

Rather than following the pastiche approach of Alfano and others—blending influences from Strauss, Debussy, and Bartók—Viozzi creates a tonal world that is uniquely his own and deeply compelling. The opera revolves around a priest in a town where a "pagan stone" attracts devoted pilgrims. Appalled by this blasphemous idol, he becomes obsessed with its destruction. In the end, he finally confronts the object of his fury, only to collapse and die. The music conveys the sense of mystery with remarkable clarity, and Viozzi’s pacing and formal structure are impressively refined.

The cast is led by Giuseppe Taddei, who fully embraces both the vocal and dramatic demands of the role. I highly recommend this opera and encourage anyone with further information to share it.

OD 10552-2