Roberto Devereux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roberto Devereux |
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| by Gaetano Donizetti | |
Giuseppina Ronzi de Begnis, the first singer of the part of Elisabetta, painting by Karl Briullov
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| Librettist | Salvadore Cammarano |
| Language | Italian |
| Premiere | 28 October 1837: Teatro San Carlo, Naples |
Roberto Devereux is an Italian opera created by Gaetano Donizetti. It has three acts and tells a dramatic story. The words for the opera, called the libretto, were written by Salvatore Cammarano. He based it on a play by François Ancelot called Elisabeth d'Angleterre. The opera was first performed in Naples, Italy, on October 28, 1837.
This opera is known for being very powerful and exciting. Some people even say it sounds a bit like the operas of Giuseppe Verdi, another famous composer. After being forgotten for almost 100 years, Roberto Devereux became popular again in 1964. Since then, it has been performed regularly, especially by famous singers like Montserrat Caballé and Beverly Sills. The story is about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and her favorite, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.
Contents
Main Characters in the Opera
In Roberto Devereux, there are several important characters, each sung by a different type of singer:
- Elisabetta I (Queen Elizabeth I): This role is sung by a soprano, which is a female singer with a high voice.
- Roberto Devereux (Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex): This role is sung by a tenor, which is a male singer with a high voice.
- Sara, Duchess of Nottingham: This role is sung by a mezzo-soprano, a female singer whose voice is lower than a soprano but higher than a contralto.
- Duke of Nottingham: This role is sung by a baritone, a male singer whose voice is lower than a tenor but higher than a bass.
The Story of the Opera
The opera takes place in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. It's a story filled with political drama, loyalty, and difficult choices.
A Queen's Dilemma
Queen Elizabeth I is a powerful ruler, but she also has personal feelings. She is very fond of Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. However, many people at court are jealous of his closeness to the Queen. The Queen gives Roberto a special ring, telling him that if he ever faces danger, he can send the ring back to her, and she will help him.
A Secret Love
Roberto, however, has a secret. He is in love with Sara, the Duchess of Nottingham. Sara is also in love with him, even though she is married to Roberto's best friend, the Duke of Nottingham. Roberto gives Sara a silk scarf as a token of his love.
Trouble for Roberto
Roberto is sent to Ireland to lead an army, but he doesn't succeed as the Queen hoped. He returns to England without permission, which makes the Queen very angry. His enemies at court use this chance to accuse him of treason, saying he is disloyal to the Queen. The Queen is torn between her feelings for Roberto and her duty as a ruler.
The Missing Ring
Roberto is arrested and sentenced to death. He remembers the ring the Queen gave him and sends it to her, hoping she will save him. But the ring never reaches the Queen. Sara tries to deliver it, but her husband, the Duke of Nottingham, finds out about her secret love for Roberto and stops her. He is furious and wants revenge.
The Queen's Regret
Queen Elizabeth waits for the ring, hoping Roberto will send it. When it doesn't arrive, she believes he doesn't care about her help. She signs the order for his execution. Only after Roberto is executed does the truth come out: the Duke of Nottingham prevented the ring from reaching her. The Queen is filled with deep sorrow and regret. She realizes she has lost her beloved Roberto and feels the heavy burden of her crown.
Who Was Gaetano Donizetti?
Gaetano Donizetti was a very famous Italian composer who lived from 1797 to 1848. He wrote nearly 70 operas, which is an incredible number! He was known for his beautiful melodies and exciting dramatic music. Donizetti was one of the most important composers of the bel canto style, which means "beautiful singing." His operas often feature strong emotions, dramatic plots, and challenging parts for singers.
A Bit of History: The Opera's Journey
When Roberto Devereux first premiered in 1837, it was a big success. However, like many operas from that time, it eventually became less popular and was rarely performed for almost a century.
The Opera's Revival
In the 1960s, there was a renewed interest in Donizetti's operas. The opera was brought back to the stage in Naples in 1964, thanks to the efforts of the famous soprano Leyla Gencer. Her performance helped people rediscover the beauty and power of Roberto Devereux. Since then, it has become a favorite for many opera companies and singers, especially sopranos who enjoy the challenging role of Queen Elizabeth.
Images for kids
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Paul Barroilhet: The Duke of Nottingham
See also
In Spanish: Roberto Devereux para niños
