This is the first absolutely complete recording of the opera. Impeccably cast, the two impossible tenor parts are sung here by the Rossini experts Bruce Ford (Antenore) and Antonino Siragusa (Ilo). The acclaimed American soprano Elizabeth Futral (Zelmira) and the gifted young Italian mezzo-soprano Manuela Custer (Emma), along with two newcomers, the basses Mirco Palazzi (Leucippo) and Marco Vinco (Polidoro) complete the distinguished line up. This recording will help gain Zelmira the recognition it deserves as one of the most dramatic and carefully written of all Rossini's operas.