Zoraida di Granata is an early two-act opera seria of Donizetti's, which shows both the influence of Simone Mayr, and Donizetti's recognition of the popular appeal of the music of Rossini. In this opera, Donizetti has become what was known as a young "Rossiniano." His vocal lines and embellishments show the direct influence of Rossini's music. Donizetti acknowledged to his friends that he had to win the approval of the public, before he would be allowed to strike out on his own in new, more dramatic directions. So he consciously adopted the style of the more successful man's music. Bartolomeo Merelli wrote the libretto to Zoraida. He used as sources a French play called Gonzalve de Cordove, ou Grenade Reconquise, and a libretto by Luigi Romanelli to an opera by Nicolini called Abenamet e Zoraide. The subject is on a Spanish-Moorish theme, which was typical of the time. The opera was originally cast for two lead tenors, but one of the tenors died of a burst blood vessel right before the production began, and Donizetti was forced to rewrite the role for a female mezzo-soprano en travesti. The opera premiered on January 28 at the Teatro Argentina of Rome. It was greeted with rave reviews and by an enthusiastic public. By the third performance, the crowds were so taken with the opera that they gave both Donizetti and Donzelli, the leading man, a torchlight procession accompanied by a street band, and a banquet in their honor. Zoraida was an important success in Donizetti's career, for because of his positive reception in Rome, theaters throughout Italy began to commission works from him. ~ Rita Laurance, Rovi
