Gaetano Donizetti: l'assedio Di Calais (Opera Rara Audio CD)

Opera Rara Donizetti 2 CD

Nuccia Focile; Della Jones; Christian du Plessis; Rico Serbo; Philharmonia Orchestra; Geoffrey Mitchell Choir; David Parry - conductor

The first performance in 150 years of an opera considered to be Donizetti's most interesting and forward-looking work. It is a pivotal score in which the composer is clearly aiming at a more international audience - in fact, Paris. As a result of this recording, staged revivals have been given in Italy, England and Ireland.

The opera is set in 1347, Calais is under siege by the English army under Edward III. Six noblemen of Calais, including the mayor, volunteer their lives in exchange for lasting peace. The English Queen is so moved by their valour that she persuades her husband to end the siege and spill no more blood.


'One of the most invigorating of all the complete opera recordings made over the years by this enterprising organization'
--Penguin CD & DVD Guide