Rossini's The Silken Ladder

Rossini was one of the most astonishingly prolific opera composers of the 19th century, firing off 39 operas before retiring at the age of 39. Sydney Independent Opera’s 2012 season continues in September with two performances of one of his early gems: The Silken Ladder. This work is one of five 'farsa' that Rossini wrote in his early years to establish his credentials: one-act comedies with a small cast, no chorus and a light plot anchored by romantic misunderstanding. The Silken Ladder is a ‘French farce’, complete with an over-protective guardian and lovers hiding behind room dividers and racing up and down the ladder of silk that grants access to the leading lady’s bedroom. The plot revolves around Julia and Dorville who have secretly married against her guardian’s wishes, and who only get together at midnight when he climbs the ladder. It is a situation thrown into turmoil with the arrival of the suave suitor Blansac chosen by her guardian Montdor. Julia attempts to get out of her predicament by encouraging Blansac to fall in love with her cousin Lucille. Miscommunications and misunderstandings abound as characters fall into and out of closets until Montdor discovers the silken ladder and demands an explanation. The Silken Ladder is full of Rossini’s youthful musical exhuberance with wonderfully embellished melodies and brilliant orchestral writing. Sydney Independent Opera is a chamber group specializing in operas sung in English with chamber orchestra.