It is an interesting feature of the cast for the only Rossini opera never to have disappeared from the repertoire that the female lead was generally, for many decades, assigned to a coloratura soprano. This alteration endured from early in the work's history until quite recently. Indeed it has not entirely died out, though most performances use a mezzo-soprano who sings the notes as written, even if they still lack the darker contralto tones that can be so effective.
Here, in 1867, we see the part still being taken by the company's leading mezzo. This did, of course, have the added advantage of allowing the company's prima donna, Madame Lancia, to get the night off.
Florence Lancia's company in Glasgow 1867
The programme in Glasgow was largely of popular favourites. However two of Verdi's middle period masterpieces, the wildly popular Trovatore and still controversial Traviata, were now joined by Rigoletto and Un ballo in maschera, both receiving their Scottish premieres.
Week commencing 9 December: Mon 9 Trovatore; Tue 10 Sonnambula; Wed 11 Rigoletto; Thu 12 Bohemian Girl; Fri 13 Un ballo in maschera; Sat 14 Maritana.
Week commencing 16 December: Mon 16 Faust; Tue 17 Traviata; Wed 18 Don Giovanni; Thu 19 Barber of Seville; Fri 20 Trovatore; Sat 21 Bohemian Girl.
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