“…[the] biggest strength lies precisely where it did for Demetrio: in Yarovaya’s ardent portrayal of its romantic hero. Her Falliero may finish her taxing Act II scena a bit winded, but altogether she’s dashingly worthy. Cinzia Forte—an often engaging performer of roles more soubrettish than this one—is outclassed by previous Biancas. As her mismatchmaking tenor father, Contareno, Kenneth Tarver gives a secure, stylish performance, valiantly battling my chronic suspicion that he’d be happier singing Mozart. The supporting cast is good, and Antonino Fogliani leads the Wildbad house band, the Virtuosi Brunensis, briskly and bracingly. At its modest price, this Bianca e Falliero should attract buyers—and so may Tarver and Yarovaya.”

“This valuable recording of Rossini’s seldom played opera Bianca e Falliero was made at the Rossini Festival in Wildbad, Germany. The cast is very good… an overall engaged playing under the baton of Antonio Fogliani.” ****

“Bianca e Falliero is a magnificent opera. Written for La Scala, Milan, in the autumn of 1819 at the high noon of Rossini’s Italian career, it clothes a tautly drawn narrative with some of the most sumptuous yet theatrically pertinent vocal writing Rossini provided for the lyric stage. “