L'italiana in Algeri or The Italian Girl in Algiers) is an operatic comedy in two acts by Gioachino Rossini to an Italian libretto by Angelo Anelli, based on his earlier text set by Luigi Mosca. It premiered at the Teatro San Benedetto in Venice on May 22, 1813. The music is characteristic of Rossini's style, remarkable for its fusion of sustained, manic energy with elegant, pristine melodies.

Rossini wrote L'italiana in Algeri when he was 21. Rossini stated that he composed the opera in 18 days.

The work was first performed at the Teatro San Benedetto, Venice on May 22, 1813. It was a notable success and Rossini made progressive changes to the work for later performances in Vicenza, Milan and Naples, during the following two years.

Cast:

Mustafa – Ruggero Raimondi

Isabella – Agnes Baltsa

Lindoro – Frank Lopardo

Taddeo – Enzo Dara

Elvira – Patrizia Pace

The Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera Chorus

Claudio Abbado – conductor

DG 1989