Inspired by history, Gaetano Donizetti’s opera, Roberto Devereux was written at the height of his musical and dramatic creativity.
The opera recounts the story of the execution for treason of Robert Devereux, the favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.
“But, as in many works of the time, history is used merely as a springboard from which the operatic imagination can soar,” says opera lover Gabriele Klein. “And soar it does in this ‘bel canto’ (beautiful singing) masterpiece.”
Donizetti’s gift for melody and understanding of the human voice are on full display in Roberto Devereux, but the score goes beyond that, revealing the dramatic possibilities inherent in the best of the bel canto tradition.
Just one remarkable example is the trio finale to Act II for Devereux, Nottingham and Elizabeth, which contains a range of emotions and psychological states in one cohesive musical structure: the anxious lover, the betrayed husband and friend, and the scorned woman are all given full expression.
“The opera’s finale belongs entirely to Elisabetta, in a variation of the classic mad scene as an internal journey and spiritual crisis,” says Klein.
Donizetti’s operas demand singers at the very top of their craft. Elisabetta is sung by soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, who has taken on the extraordinary challenge of singing all three Donizetti Tudor queen operas in one season. The others are Maria Stuarda and Anna Bolena – a truly formidable achievement. Devereux is the climactic opera of this trilogy.
Tenor Matthew Polenzani is Devereux, with mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca and baritone Mariusz Kwiecien completing the principal quartet.
Donizetti specialist Maurizio Benini conducts this bel canto masterpiece.
The production and set design is by Sir David McVicar, who crowns his Tudor queen operas with Devereux.
The opera is set in London at Westminster Palace and the Tower of London. Historical facts place the action between 1599 and 1601 (the year of Devereux’s death).
“Moritz Junge has created the magnificent, historically accurate period costumes,” says Klein, noting the Met has assembled a truly international team – American soprano and tenor, Latvian mezzo-soprano, Polish baritone, Italian conductor, British director and set designer and German costume designer. “Roberto Devereux is a delightful feast for all the senses, and the beautiful bel canto melodies, especially the ensemble pieces, will surely delight all who come.”
Roberto Devereux plays at 9:55 a.m. April 16 at the Salmar Classic. Run time is two hours and 40 minutes including a 25-minute intermission. Tickets are available in advance at the Salmar Grand or at the door.
