The phenomenal Edita Gruberova, the world’s undisputed Queen of bel canto, proves once again why she deserves this title: following he tumultuously applauded concert debut as Lucrezia Borgia in Barcelona, her mesmerizing role debut in a staged version of this work took place at the Bavarian State Opera and was acclaimed just as frenetically, and rightly so. Her performance, noted ‘Opera Magazine’, ‘vindicated the Munich audience’s near-idolization of her’. With ‘Lucrezia Borgia’, Gruberova follows up her recent triumphs in ‘Roberto Devereux’ and ‘Norma’ with another bel canto masterwork.
Roberto Devereux
London, 1601: love, desire and a death sentence at the English royal court – an ideal combination for an Italian grand opera. And Gaetano Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux could hardly be grander or more fit for a queen. The ideal showcase for Edita Gruberova! The prima donna assoluta of bel canto triumphs in this rarely performed work. In Christof Loy’s production at Munich’s National Theater, Edita Gruberova sings the role of Queen Elizabeth I. Friedrich Haider conducts the chorus and orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera; the HDTV recording is directed by Emmy award winner Brian Large.