Roberto Devereux

Synopsis

Composed at the time of his wife's death, this is Donizetti's 57th opera. London, early 17th century. The Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux, although loved by Queen Elizabeth is in love with Sara, Countess of Nottingham. Essex is accused of treason and sentenced to death by the Queen, whose reprieve comes too late to save him.

Our Review:

3 June 2009

Twenty years since Michael Volpe got the job to create events at Holland Park Theatre (as part of a much wider brief), Opera Holland Park (now, officially, with the prefix Korn/Ferry) has become a firm favourite of London’s summer. This year’s season has already handsomely paid back its supporters’ loyalty with this opening production, something of a rarity: Donizetti’s lovelorn English royal saga, Roberto Devereux.

With the last London performances in 2002 (and then only in concert at the Royal Opera, recorded by Opera Rara), this was always going to be a production to collect; thankfully it is hugely recommendable and goes a long way to argue for full restoration rights into the repertoire.

The wonder is that Donizetti felt like writing it at all. His parents had recently died, and in July 1837 his wife died as well, so he was composing in the midst of unbelievable mourning. With its text of three impossible loves – Sarah̵...

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Latest User Review

Gareth James - 11 June 2009:

There's something formulaic about Donizetti's operas, his obsession with setting British history is intriguing, and the result - assorted queens, dukes and duchesses emoting histrionically in Italian - is somewhat incongruous. Having said that, this is the perfect opera for OHP's backdrop and it looks both attractive & authentic, it was played and sung beautifully and a good time was had by all! OHP is a summer must and this rare outing of this opera is very welcome....

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