Lucia di Lammermoor

Lucia di Lammermoor is an opera in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti. The libretto, by Kammerano, is based on Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor.

Related Topics:
Opera - Gaetano Donizetti - Scott - The Bride of Lammermoor

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The opera premiered in Naples on September 26, 1835. Its "mad scene" is said to contain the highest vocal note of any standard opera, two E-flats. (Although Mozart's often-performed singspiel "The Magic Flute" contains a higher note in its Queen of the Night aria) However, the E-flats are not a written part of the music and have been omitted by some performers, most notably Maria Callas.

Related Topics:
Naples - 1835 - Singspiel - The Magic Flute - Maria Callas

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For decades Lucia was considered to be a mere showpiece for coloratura sopranos and was a little-known part of the operatic repertory. However, it was revived after World War II by sopranos such as Maria Callas and has since earned a place in the standard operatic repertory.

Related Topics:
Coloratura - World War II - Maria Callas - Standard operatic repertory

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