Elisabetta regina d'Inghilterra (1815) was the first of the nine 'Rossini Neapolitan operas' written for the Teatro San Carlo. The works Rossini composed were hailed (and have been ever since) as some of the most remarkable ever to be composed for the lyric stage.Opera Rara has made a new performing edition from the autograph manuscript and, for the first time, Rossini's opera has been recorded absolutely complete, with the original orchestration. As Queen Elizabeth I, Jennifer Larmore takes command of her country and her audience with a portrayal, which is strong, yet avoids the stereotypical concept of Elizabeth associated with the films of Bette Davis. Larmore, with her splendid vocalism, makes Rossini's florid vocal writing work for the character. The part of her rival Matilde has Majella Cullagh giving another of her limpid-voiced heroines. Antonino Siragusa makes his mark in the demanding tenor part of Norfolk while Bruce Ford as Leicester adds the ninth and last of the Neapolitan operas to his repertoire. Giuliano Carella conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra.