Adelaide di Borgogna

Gioachino Rossini

Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) was the most celebrated Italian composer of his age, a master of both opera buffa and opera seria. Born in Pesaro, he penned nearly forty operas before the age of thirty-seven, including immortal works such as “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” “La Cenerentola,” and “Guillaume Tell.” “Adina, ovvero Il Califfo di Bagdad” (1818), though lesser-known, showcases all the melodic wit, rhythmic verve, and vocal brilliance that made Rossini the darling of Europe.

Rossini’s distinctive style, characterized by elegant melodies, rapid vocal passages, lively rhythms, and inventive orchestration, had a profound influence on nineteenth-century opera. His music combines theatrical energy with remarkable technical precision, allowing singers to display both virtuosity and expressive range. Even today, his operas remain staples of the international repertoire, admired for their wit, brilliance, and enduring freshness.

After retiring from the operatic stage at the height of his fame, he spent his later years in Paris as a revered cultural figure and gourmet.

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Adelaide of Burgundy is a two-act opera by Gioachino Rossini, with a libretto by Giovanni Schmidt, which was first performed in Rome in 1817. The story is set in the 10th century: following the poisoning of Lothair, King of Italy, at the hands of Berengar, his widow Adelaide of Burgundy takes refuge in the fortress of Canossa to escape the pressures of the usurper, who wishes to force her to marry his son Adelbert and thus legitimise his own power. Besieged but protected by her faithful servant Iroldo, Adelaide calls upon Emperor Otto the Great for help, promising him her hand in marriage and her claim to the crown. Otto rushes to her aid, falls in love with the princess, and the two exchange a vow of love; but whilst the wedding preparations are under way, Berengar and Adelbert betray their hosts and launch an attack, sparking a battle in which Adelaide is captured.

In the second act, intrigue intertwines with inner conflict: Eurice, Berengario’s wife, secretly frees Adelaide to save her husband from a death sentence. After tense negotiations and a final decisive clash, Otto defeats his enemies, takes Berengario and Adelberto prisoner, and celebrates his triumph. Adelaide, faithful to the love that binds her to the emperor, ensures that the promises made are honoured and finally marries Otto, who takes her with him to Germany, restoring justice and sealing the union of the two kingdoms in a happy ending.

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