Immerse yourself in the dramatic world of Gaetano Donizetti's "Mary Stuart," a captivating opera that blends history, politics, and personal conflict into a powerful narrative. Released on April 1, 1999, under the Chandos label, this album offers a rich, two-hour-and-sixteen-minute journey through the tumultuous lives of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I of England.
Donizetti's masterful composition brings to life the intricate relationships and power struggles between these two iconic figures. The opera is a tapestry of intricate arias and ensembles, showcasing the depth of the characters and the complexity of their interactions. From the hauntingly beautiful solos to the intense choral passages, each track reveals a new layer of the story, drawing you deeper into the drama.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists who bring Donizetti's music to life with their exceptional talent and emotional depth. The orchestral arrangements are equally impressive, providing a rich and evocative backdrop to the vocal performances.
"Mary Stuart" is not just an opera; it's a historical drama that explores themes of power, jealousy, and redemption. Donizetti's score is both lyrical and dramatic, with moments of tender beauty contrasting sharply with scenes of intense conflict. The opera's climax is particularly powerful, leaving a lasting impression long after the final notes fade away.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Mary Stuart" offers a compelling and engaging listening experience. Donizetti's genius shines through in every note, making this album a standout in the world of classical music.
1999 Chandos Records1999 Chandos Records
Tracks
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52: PreludeGaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Let us wait here (Voice, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Yes, but the French Prince is seeking… (Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: If fortune one day should send to me… (Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: In this moment of rejoicing (Talbot, Elizabeth, Cecil, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, John Tomlinson, Alan Opie, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: May the light of wisdom and justice (Elizabeth, Cecil, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: But, where is the Earl of Dudley? (Elizabeth, Cecil, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Did you not ask to see me, earlier today? (Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: I remember these lovely features (Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: If she dare trust in me (Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: Do I disturb you? (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: How affecting … Is she relenting? (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: When I first looked upon her face (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act I: My arrogant rival has long sought to rob me (Elizabeth, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Why run so fast, my lady? (Hannah, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: You murmuring breezes … (Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: What tumult! Those voices! (Mary, Hannah, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: In the peace of my gloomy seclusion (Mary, Hannah, Ladies)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Ah! May this joy not deceive me (Mary, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Long by the world forsaken (Mary, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: All too well I surely know her! Ah! Though my spirit never faltered (Mary, Dudley)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: What place is this then? (Elizabeth, Dudley, Cecil, Talbot, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Report has not failed me (Elizabeth, Mary, Talbot, Hannah, Dudley, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, Angela Bostock
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Bid her welcome! (Dudley, Elizabeth, Talbot, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Dead to justice, throne and kingdom (Mary, Cecil, Elizabeth, Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act II: Go, prepare yourself for sentence (Mary, Cecil, Elizabeth, Dudley, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, David Rendall, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: Still pensive? Still delaying? (Cecil, Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: While she's living I'm still in danger (Cecil, Elizabeth)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: Your Highness! You do but speed her execution (Dudley, Elizabeth, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 1: You have conspired a sister's death (Dudley, Elizabeth, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Rosalind Plowright, Alan Opie, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Elizabeth will continue to mock and insult me (Mary, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Oh faithful Talbot! (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Once all the radiant joys of youth (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: There still remains another charge (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: No, I never turned from my Saviour (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 2: Go leave this world of grief behind (Mary, Talbot)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, John Tomlinson
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: You saw them? (Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Hannah! Do not disturb her (Hannah, Mary, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Oh, deign to hear our prayer, merciful Saviour! (Hannah, Mary, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: The signal (All, Cecil, Mary)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, Rosalind Plowright, John Tomlinson, David Rendall, Angela Bostock
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Death hovers near me, so take my pardon (Mary, Hannah, Talbot, Cecil, Chorus)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, Angela Bostock, English National Opera Chorus
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Dudley approaches (Talbot, Mary, Dudley, Cecil)Gaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, David Rendall
Mary Stuart, A. 43, In. 52, Act III Scene 3: Though you once made a vow to protect me (Mary, Dudley, Talbot, Hannah, Chorus, CecilGaetano Donizetti, Sir Charles Mackerras, English National Opera Orchestra, Janet Baker, Alan Opie, John Tomlinson, Angela Bostock, David Rendall, English National Opera Chorus
Vinylscout