Niccolò Piccinni was one of the great Italian opera composers of the 18th century, bridging serious opera tradition with more accessible storytelling. Roland, based on the famous romantic epic Orlando Furioso, showcases his gift for drama and vocal beauty. This three-disc set presents the complete opera with a superb ensemble led by conductor David Golub and the Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia. The music alternates between grand dramatic moments and intimate character studies, with Piccinni's ornate keyboard writing and elaborate vocal lines defining the Baroque Italian style. The orchestration creates a rich, layered soundscape that's both elegant and powerful. If you're drawn to serious Italian opera but find later Romantic works too heavy, this offers a perfect balance of melodic grace and theatrical punch.