Rossini: La Donna del Lago
An all-star cast assembled for the Met’s first-ever performances of Rossini’s romantic retelling of Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem The Lady of the Lake. Joyce DiDonato is Elena, the title heroine, who is being pursued by not one, but two tenors—setting off sensational vocal fireworks. Juan Diego Flórez is King James V of Scotland, disguised as the humble Uberto, and John Osborn sings his political enemy, and rival in love, Rodrigo Di Dhu. Complicating matters is the fact that Elena herself loves Malcolm, a trouser role sung by mezzo-soprano Daniela Barcellona, and that she is the daughter of Duglas (Oren Gradus), another of the king’s political adversaries. Paul Curran’s atmospheric production is conducted by Michele Mariotti.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during a hunting expedition in the Scottish Highlands, 'La Donna del Lago' follows the complex romantic entanglements of Elena, a noblewoman torn between her husband Rodrigo and the outlaw Uberto. King James V of Scotland, disguised and also drawn to Elena, complicates matters further. The opera explores themes of love, honor, and mistaken identity amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and personal desire.
Critical Reception
This 2015 production of Rossini's 'La Donna del Lago' generally received positive reviews, with praise directed towards the vocal performances and the clarity of Rossini's intricate musical writing. Critics often highlighted the challenging coloratura passages and the effective staging that balanced the opera's dramatic and comedic elements.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for impressive vocal agility and Rossini's sophisticated musical score.
- Noted for effective direction that clarified the opera's dramatic threads.
- Seen as a strong revival of a less frequently performed Rossini work.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this specific production are not widely aggregated, but general reception for Rossini's operas often points to appreciation for the composer's melodic genius and virtuosic vocal demands.
Fun Fact
Gioachino Rossini famously revised 'La Donna del Lago' for its 1821 Paris revival, creating a new overture and altering some of the vocal parts, demonstrating his willingness to adapt his works.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources