Maria Stuarda (Mary Stuart)

Synopsis

The centrepiece of this opera is the fictional confrontation between Mary Stuart, the Catholic Queen of Scotland, and the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. The opera builds to the moment of conflict when political, religious and romantic tensions simmer over, resulting in Mary's condemnation and eventual execution. The opera is recognised as one of Donizetti's most persuasive and powerful scores and culminates in an exceptionally affecting final scene.

Our Review:

20 June 2010

One of the pleasures of theatre is that performances vary from night to night. That was certainly the case at The Lowry last night when, during the intermission, one of the principal singers inhaled dust and was unable to continue. Despite the absence of an understudy a spoken synopsis ensured that, as it always must, the show went on - albeit without Scene One of Act Three.

Given the choice between reality and legend the advice is to go for the latter. Donizetti does just that building his opera Mary Stuart around an imagined confrontation between the titular heroine and her nemesis Queen Elizabeth. The author clearly sympathises with Mary Stuart as, although the character does not appear until the second act of the opera, the mere mention of her name provokes gorgeous melodies.

Sarah Connolly gives us an ambiguous character. Although Mary is introduced with pastoral tunes apparently at peace in country retirement Connolly ...

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