Movie spotlight

Roberto Devereux

Name: Roberto Devereux
Released: 2016-11-04
Duration: 137 min

2016

Movie

137 min

Italian

In the last and most dramatic aria in Roberto Devereux , one of the four Tudor period operas composed by Donizetti in 1837 (along with Anna Bolena , Maria Stuarda and Il Castello di Kenilworth), the protagonist, Queen Elizabeth I of England, exclaims: "I do not reign, I do not live". This statement encapsulates great operatic themes, and it is the culmination of an opera that reveals the passions of characters who live among palace intrigues. Written in the mature period of the leader of Italian romanticism, the opera displays a great vocal virtuosity, and is an example of Donizetti prizing the voice above all in the genre. The staging, by South African director Alessandro Talevi, who has been very successful in great opera houses as well as with more experimental theatre, places the play in an undetermined period, focusing on the chiaroscuro. Bruno Campanella conducts.

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IMDb7.8/10

Director: David McVicar•Genres: Opera, Classical

Plot Summary

Set in 1598 London, the opera follows the tragic story of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. His political ambition and illicit love for the Queen's lady-in-waiting, Sara, Duchess of Nottingham, lead to his downfall. As his treasonous plots are revealed, Devereux faces execution, with Sara torn between her love for him and her loyalty to the Queen.

Critical Reception

This 2016 Metropolitan Opera production of Donizetti's 'Roberto Devereux' was highly praised for its stellar vocal performances, particularly Sondra Radvanovsky's demanding portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I. Critics lauded the dramatic intensity and emotional depth brought to the bel canto masterpiece.

What Reviewers Say

Sondra Radvanovsky delivers a tour-de-force performance as Queen Elizabeth I.
The production boasts exceptional singing and dramatic power.
A compelling and vocally challenging bel canto experience.

Google audience: Audience reviews were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the exceptional vocal prowess of the principal singers and the emotionally charged performance.