Umberto Giordano's long-lost opera Marina, written in 1888 and premiered only in 2026, has been released on Decca Records. The 21-year-old composer entered the one-act opera competition won by Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, placing sixth. The score languished for 138 years before its belated premiere at Milan's Teatro dal Verme.
A Verismo Tale of Love and Conflict
Set in Montenegro during an unspecified conflict with Serbia, Marina follows a Montenegrin woman who takes in Giorgio, a wounded Serb. This act triggers inevitable conflict with her brother and bullish suitor, leading to a typical verismo catastrophe. The opera opens with militaristic music before Marina takes centre stage with an aching ballad of lost opportunity.
Her scene with the injured Giorgio follows abruptly, redeemed by Giordano's knack for crafting appealing melodies. While not the most sophisticated writing, it comes straight from the heart. A drinking song cribbed from Verdi's Otello and a patriotic Montenegrin ditty, alongside a brief aria for Giorgio, stand out as the show's hits.
Dramatic Shortcomings and Musical Strengths
The scene between Marina and her brother is decently judged, though the one-act format prevents the character development a longer work would permit. Despite these dramatic shortcomings, the recording reveals a composer with a keen ear for musical colour. Giordano's melodic promise is evident throughout, even if the opera is no masterpiece.
Star Performances and Orchestral Support
Eleonora Buratto is treasurable as Marina, her bright soprano thrilling at the top. As Giorgio, Freddie De Tommaso proves a classy verismo hero, his voice dark yet suitably Italianate. The Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali is supple and secure under the idiomatic baton of Vincenzo Milletarì. This recording is available on Apple Music and other streaming platforms.
