Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia (2CD)

Based on Victor Hugo’s most sensational play, Lucrèce Borgia, a scandalous tale of murder, torture, incest, homosexuality, drunkenness and orgies, Donizetti’s opera is one of the great masterpieces of Italian bel canto repertoire. While omitting some of its more excessive elements, the libretto by Felice Romani inspired Donizetti to compose superb arias, duets, ensembles and choruses, bringing each act to a stirring conclusion. Brimming with high drama and pathos, this production stars Greek diva Dimitra Theodossiou in the infamous title rôle, praised for her stupendous acting and singing as England’s Queen Elizabeth I in Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux (Naxos CD 8660222-23 / DVD 2110232).