L'italiana in Algeri
Synopsis
L'ITALIANA IN ALGERI is an operatic dramma giocoso in two acts by Gioachino Rossini to an Italian libretto by Angelo Anelli. Rossini composed L'italiana in Algeri when he was 21 in either 18 or 27 days, depending on which source one believes (Rossini, not surprisingly, pegged it at 18). It premiered at the Teatro San Benedetto in Venice on 22 May 1813. The music is characteristic of Rossini's style, remarkable for its fusion of sustained, manic energy with elegant, pristine melodies. The plot, in brief: Isabella’s lover Lindoro has been kidnapped, and in her search for him she is shipwrecked and taken captive by Mustafa, Bey of Algiers. To her amazement and delight, she finds Lindoro among the Bey’s prisoners. Isabella hatches a plot that involves flirtation and stealth, and together she and Lindoro escape. Marilyn Horne, Pablo Montarsolo, Douglas Ahistedt, and Allan Monk star in this legendary Metropolitan Opera production conducted by James Levine.
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 30, 1986
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 1, 2007
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, Brian Large
- Screenplay & Story
- Angelo Anelli
- Original Score
- Gioachino Rossini
- Original Title
- L'italiana in Algeri
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Production Studios
- The Metropolitan Opera
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, Brian Large
Angelo Anelli
Gioachino Rossini
Department Leadership Roster
Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Director
Brian Large
Director
Angelo Anelli
Writer
Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Production Design
Gioachino Rossini
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for L'italiana in Algeri.
Featured In Curated Collections
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The Met
Metropolitan Opera, excluding Ring Cycles, listed separately.
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Frequently Asked Questions About L'italiana in Algeri
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is L'italiana in Algeri about?
L'ITALIANA IN ALGERI is an operatic dramma giocoso in two acts by Gioachino Rossini to an Italian libretto by Angelo Anelli. Rossini composed L'italiana in Algeri when he was 21 in either 18 or 27 days, depending on which source one believes (Rossini, not surprisingly, pegged it at 18). It premiered at the Teatro San Benedetto in Venice on 22 May 1813. The music is characteristic of Rossini's style, remarkable for its fusion of sustained, manic energy with elegant, pristine melodies. The plot, in brief: Isabella’s lover Lindoro has been kidnapped, and in her search for him she is shipwrecked and taken captive by Mustafa, Bey of Algiers. To her amazement and delight, she finds Lindoro among the Bey’s prisoners. Isabella hatches a plot that involves flirtation and stealth, and together she and Lindoro escape. Marilyn Horne, Pablo Montarsolo, Douglas Ahistedt, and Allan Monk star in this legendary Metropolitan Opera production conducted by James Levine.
Who directed L'italiana in Algeri?
L'italiana in Algeri was directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, Brian Large.
Who stars in L'italiana in Algeri?
The principal cast of L'italiana in Algeri includes Marilyn Horne, Paolo Montarsolo, Douglas Ahlstedt, Allan Monk, Myra Merritt.
When was L'italiana in Algeri released and how long is it?
L'italiana in Algeri was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 2h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for L'italiana in Algeri?
The original motion picture soundtrack for L'italiana in Algeri was composed by Gioachino Rossini.