Pergolesi’s L’Olimpiade is a baroque rarity that shines in this new recording, with pacy conducting and a fine cast bringing Pietro Metastasio’s ancient Olympic Games tale to life. Premiered in 1735 and resurrected in 1937, this opera presages what should have been a glorious career for the composer, who tragically died at age 26. The story follows Megacle, persuaded to compete in disguise as his friend Licida, unaware the prize is Aristea, the woman he loves—a plot of brain-addling complexity involving a cast-off mistress and a long-lost twin.
Giulio Prandi’s Pacy Conducting Transforms the Epic
Giulio Prandi’s two-and-a-half-hour version makes unobtrusive cuts to the original four-hour epic, ensuring the drama flies by. The Orchestra Ghislieri delivers sinewy, tightly sprung playing, though the recording lacks the sonic depth of Alessandro De Marchi’s 2010 account. The conducting is ideally pacy, propelling the narrative forward with energy and precision.
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Fine Cast Highlights: Carlotta Colombo and Silvia Frigato
In a fine cast, Carlotta Colombo stands out as a richly rounded Aristea, neatly contrasted with Silvia Frigato’s plaintive Argene. Josè Maria Lo Monaco’s supple mezzo-soprano brings appropriate complexity to Licida, while Theodora Raftis is a convincingly boyish Megacle. The recording, made in Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi (Ancona)—Pergolesi’s hometown—in 2025, includes stage noise and some pesky intermittent applause, but nonetheless conveys the thrill of live performance.
Comparison Table: De Marchi vs. Prandi Recordings
| Recording | Conductor | Length | Orchestra | Sonic Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Marchi (2010) | Alessandro De Marchi | ~4 hours | Unknown | Deep, rich |
| Prandi (2025) | Giulio Prandi | ~2.5 hours | Orchestra Ghislieri | Less deep, but pacy |
Key Takeaways from This Baroque Opera
- Pergolesi’s L’Olimpiade is a baroque rarity with a complex, engaging plot.
- Giulio Prandi’s cuts make the opera more accessible and fast-paced.
- The live recording captures the thrill of performance despite minor noise.
- Carlotta Colombo and Silvia Frigato deliver standout vocal performances.
FAQ
What is Pergolesi’s L’Olimpiade about?
It’s a baroque opera by Pergolesi, based on Metastasio’s tale of deception at the ancient Olympic Games, involving a disguised competitor, a love triangle, and a long-lost twin.
How does Prandi’s recording compare to De Marchi’s?
Prandi’s version is shorter (2.5 hours vs. 4 hours) with pacy conducting, but lacks the sonic depth of De Marchi’s 2010 account. Both offer unique strengths.
Where can I listen to Pergolesi’s L’Olimpiade?
You can listen on Apple Music or Spotify, as noted in the review.
This recording of Pergolesi’s L’Olimpiade is a must-hear for baroque opera enthusiasts, offering a thrilling live experience with a stellar cast. Listen on Apple Music or Spotify to enjoy this rare masterpiece.
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