Various - Nicola Vaccaj: Giulietta e Romeo

Nicola Vaccaj belonged to the Neapolitan School. He was a pupil of Paisiello and a contemporary of Rossini, whose fame somewhat obscured his own. But he was well enough known and appreciated during his day that an extract from the last Act of his Giulietta e Romeo was chosen as a substitute for the same aria in Bellini�s I Capuleti e I Montecchi for an 1832 performance. This arrangement remained common practice until the end of the 19th century. It�s hard to believe, therefore, that Vaccaj�s most notable success has been neglected for such a long time, since it is �an opera that could easily hold its own among the better-known works in the bel canto canon. It has a taut plot, with a strong libretto written by Romani, and is full of well-constructed ensemble pieces.� (Operawire)