Product Review

In its original form, Maria di Rohan was without doubt the most audacious result pre-Verdi of aesthetic transformation beyond the courtly dramas of long Italian classicism. The operas intrigue develops like an unstoppable machine: the fatal triangle formed by Maria, Chalais and Chevreuse being the work of Richelieus absolute power (despite never appearing on stage). Like trapped animals, the characters hopelessly search for a way out, and they devour each other in turn. Recorded at the Bergamo Donizetti Festival, October 2011, this is the first DVD release of Donizettis 1843 opera.