Description

Donizetti – Roberto Devereux (Tragedia lirica in Three Acts) | Opera DVD Video

Product Information

Title: Roberto Devereux
Composer: Gaetano Donizetti
Genre: Opera (Tragedia lirica in Three Acts)
Libretto: Salvatore Cammarano
Format: DVD Video
UPC: 0747313525252
Label: Naxos (Manufactured under licence from Dynamic SRL)
Country: Italy
Released: 2008
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Video Format: NTSC, Dual Layer Disc
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, LINEAR PCM
Running Time: 134 minutes and 14 seconds

Overview

"Roberto Devereux" is one of Donizetti’s most emotionally raw operas, drawing on episodes from the life of Queen Elizabeth I to create a tragic narrative of love and jealousy. This DVD captures the inaugural production of the Bergamo Musica Festival 2006, directed by Francesco Bellotto at Teatro Donizetti in Bergamo, Italy. Featuring a superb performance by Greek soprano Dimitra Theodossiou as Elizabeth, Queen of England, and young American baritone Andrew Schroeder as the Earl of Essex, the production is renowned for its stirring Act I duet, "Nascondi, frena i palpiti, o misero mio core," and its heart-wrenching conclusion, "Quel sangue versato al ciel s'innalza."

Synopsis

The opera centers on the turbulent love affair between Queen Elizabeth I and her favourite, the Earl of Essex. While the narrative takes dramatic liberties—Elizabeth’s abdication being one such example—it ultimately portrays the despair of a queen at the tragic loss of her lover, as symbolized by the rising of spilled blood to Heaven. This poignant tale of passion and betrayal unfolds with dramatic intensity over three acts, leaving a memorable imprint on the operatic canon.

Product Features

Exceptional Performances:
- Elizabeth, Queen of England: Dimitra Theodossiou
- The Duke of Nottingham: Andrew Schroeder
- Sara, Duchess of Nottingham: Federica Bragaglia
- Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex: Massimiliano Pisapia
- Lord Cecil: Luigi Albani
- Sir Walter Raleigh: Giorgio Valerio
Musical Excellence:
- Orchestra and Chorus: Orchestra and Chorus of the Bergamo Musica Festival
- Conductor: Marcello Rota
- Chorus Master: Corrado Casati
Creative Team:
- Director: Francesco Bellotto
- Sets & Costumes: Designed by David Walker
- Video Director: Matteo Ricchetti
Technical Specifications:
- Filmed in high definition at Teatro Donizetti, Bergamo, Italy, in September 2006.
- Presented in NTSC format with Dolby Digital surround sound for an immersive viewing experience.
Extras:
- Digital extras and interviews that provide insight into the production and its creative process are included on the DVD.

Interesting Facts

Emotional Depth:
Donizetti’s "Roberto Devereux" is celebrated for its profound emotional expression, with key arias that capture the raw anguish and passion of its characters.
Innovative Staging:
The production’s modern staging, under Francesco Bellotto’s direction, reinterprets historical events with dramatic visual flair and artistic innovation.
Historical Inspiration:
Though loosely based on episodes from Queen Elizabeth I’s life, the opera uses dramatic license to enhance its tragic narrative—most notably in the heart-rending duet that encapsulates the queen's despair.
Festival Premiere:
This DVD documents the world-premiere production at the Bergamo Musica Festival 2006, marking a significant moment in contemporary operatic performance.

Publishers

This DVD is produced and distributed by Naxos, under licence from Dynamic SRL. The material is intended for non-commercial private use only. Public performance, broadcast, or any reproduction is strictly prohibited.
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