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Caritea was one of Mercadante’s early successes, following several works that were poorly received. Sergio Segalini, artistic director of the Festival of Valle d’Itria, tells us in the liner notes that he chose Caritea (rather than some of Mercadante’s later and better-known works) to “reveal a new aspect of the composer.” Some casting problems arose that resulted in several last minute replacements and reassignment of roles. Sonia Lee, a student of the Osimo Academy, was to understudy the role of Don Diego (a trouser role), but Martine Dupuy’s withdrawal 15 days before the festival allowed Lee to take the stage. Jacek Laszczkowski had been cast as Rodrigo, but due to scheduling conflicts with another tenor, Laszczkowski quickly learned the role of Alfonso, only giving Gregory Bonfatti two weeks to learn the role of Rodrigo. These production difficulties are not evident when listening to this very lively, committed performance, recorded in July 1995. 


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