Composer Hector Berlioz, who had previously criticized Donizetti, supported the 1839 French premiere of 'Lucie' and praised the production and translation.
Historical Context
For much of the 19th century, Paris was considered the most prestigious city for musicians to make their name, with the Paris Opéra as the leading stage.
Cultural Impact
The novel 'The Bride of Lammermoor' by Walter Scott, which inspired this opera, was a best-seller and is even mentioned in Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary'.
Recording & Production
This recording uses the French version of the opera, 'Lucie de Lammermoor', which premiered in Paris in 1839 and was supervised by Donizetti himself.
Composition History
Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor premiered in Naples on September 26, 1835, just three days after the death of fellow composer Bellini.
Composer Biography
Gaetano Donizetti, a prolific composer with 70 operas in 27 years, dominated Italian opera between Bellini's death and Verdi's emergence.
Compositional Technique
The famous Sextet in the opera is a 'concertato' whose dramatic structure is reminiscent of Rossini's crescendos, but it ends in stupor rather than frenzy.
