Roberto Devereux
Tragedia lirica in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848)
Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano
In Italian with German and English surtitles. Duration 3 H. incl. intermission after approx. 1 H. 40 Min. Introduction 45 min before the performance.
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Roberto Devereux
Abstract
Roberto Devereux
Roberto Devereux is based on the historical, volatile relationship between the ageing English Queen Elizabeth I and her aristocratic favourite Robert Devereux. Charged with treason by his political rivals, Robert Devereux is only saved from the scaffold by his relationship with the Queen. However, when Elizabeth learns that Robert is in love with another woman, she is ready to sign his death warrant. She regrets her decision too late. In the great final scene, which besides the Lucia di Lammermoor’s madness aria is one of Donizetti’s most inspired creations, filled with longing for death she announces her abdication. In his third Tudor opera, Donizetti was less interested in precise historical facts than in the constellation of the figures, their emotions and passions, which he was able to portray with great drama and forcefulness. Once again we can look forward to Edita Gruberova’s multi-faceted portrait of Elizabeth in this revival production; at her side, Pavol Breslik can be heard in the title role.