Isabella

Isabella (Rossini: L'italiana in Algeri). Cont. An Italian lady shipwrecked near Algiers with her old suitor, Taddeo, whose niece she pretends to be. Mustafà, the Bey, finds her beautiful, but she was on her way to look for her beloved Lindoro. Lindoro is being made to marry the wife the Bey no longer wants. Lindoro and Isabella meet, reaffirm their love and make their escape plans. While Mustafà dines, they depart on an Italian ship. Arias (with chorus): Cruda sorte! (‘Cruel fate!’); Pensa alla patria (‘Think of your country’). Created (1813) by Marietta Marcolini.