La Favorite

Written for a Parisian audience, Donizetti's 1840 opera fused the Italian bel canto style with the conventions of 19th-century French grand opera. While the mixture hasn't always been comfortable, it comes across well in this 2014 production from the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse. Tenor Yijie Shi sings with elegance and precision as Fernand, who abandons his monastic habit for the beautiful Léonor (Kate Aldrich). After winning a battle for King Alphonse of Castile (Ludovic Tézier), Fernand asks the monarch for the lady's hand but is horrified to learn that she's long been the ruler's mistress. Since Alphonse has just been ordered by the pope to return to his wife, he's happy to give Léonor up, but Fernand returns to the monastery, where Léonor follows to ask for forgiveness (and then dies in his arms). Donizetti's score is equally effective in both its gentle and martial passages, played with energy and tonal richness by the company orchestra under the galvanizing leadership of Antonello Allemandi. Aldrich and Tézier very nearly match Shi's exquisite vocalism, and the physical production—featuring relatively spare sets but sumptuous costumes and a lighting design that suffuses the stage with color and atmosphere—makes for beautiful visuals. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and LPCM stereo, extras include cast and crew interviews, and a cast gallery. A superb performance, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)