Description

Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia - The Royal Opera House Production (1980 DVD)

UPC: 0809478012375

Product Features

Composer: Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848)
Title: Lucrezia Borgia
Performers: Joan Sutherland (Lucrezia Borgia), Alfredo Kraus (Gennaro), Anne Howells (Maffio Orsini), Stafford Dean (Alfonso d'Este)
Conductor: Richard Bonynge
Director: John Copley
Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Chorus: Royal Opera Chorus
Subtitles: English
Audio Format: LPCM 2.0
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Standard Definition
Running Time: Approximately 147 minutes
Region: All regions (NTSC format)
Release Date: 2017 (originally recorded in 1980)

Overview

This 1980 Royal Opera House production of Lucrezia Borgia showcases Donizetti’s intense opera about one of history's most infamous women, Lucrezia Borgia. Joan Sutherland delivers a commanding performance in one of the most demanding soprano roles, portraying a vengeful woman with a tender side as a loving mother. Alongside her is Alfredo Kraus, masterfully performing as Gennaro, and the exceptional Royal Opera House Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of conductor Richard Bonynge.

Set in Renaissance Ferrara, the opera centers around Lucrezia's political machinations and the personal tragedies that follow her. This production, directed by John Copley, with set designs by John Pascoe and costumes by Michael Stennett, captures the grandeur and emotional depth of the opera. Filmed in its original 4:3 format, this performance remains a testament to Sutherland's legendary talent and the production's overall excellence.

Interesting Facts

Joan Sutherland: Known as "La Stupenda," Sutherland is revered for her extraordinary vocal technique and dramatic presence, especially in bel canto roles like Lucrezia Borgia.
Richard Bonynge: The conductor of this production, Bonynge is Sutherland's longtime musical collaborator and husband, making this performance a showcase of their professional synergy.
Historic Performance: This DVD preserves the original 1980 recording, offering fans a rare chance to experience one of the great operatic performances of the 20th century.
Alfredo Kraus: Celebrated for his elegant and refined tenor voice, Kraus's portrayal of Gennaro adds a powerful emotional dimension to the opera.
Film Director: Brian Large, a renowned director for televised opera, captured the magic of the performance for this DVD, ensuring the grandeur of the stage is conveyed to home audiences.

Track Listing

Act 1 - Lucrezia’s Vengeance
Act 2 - The Tragic Revelations

Publishers

Opus Arte: Known for producing top-tier opera and classical music DVDs, Opus Arte continues its tradition of bringing timeless productions to a global audience.