Roberto Devereux is the 57th in a line of some 70 formulaic operas by the prolific Gaetano Donizetti, who was the embodiment of post-Rossini romantic opera. Events from 16th-century Elizabethan history form the basis for this libretto, which in turn is designed to afford the maximum opportunity for dramatic solos and duets. Here we find Queen Elizabeth I vying with Sara, Duchess of Nottingham, for the love of Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, who has been branded a traitor. Efforts for a last minute reprieve fail, and Robert is put to death, whereupon the Queen, overwhelmed with guilt and grief, abdicates in favor of James I (one of many liberties taken here with the facts). This production, filmed live at Teatro Donizetti in Bergamo, Italy in September 2006, takes a traditional approach, employing period costumes and a spare but effective set. The cast is uniformly weighted (resulting in satisfying ensemble pieces) while the orchestra and chorus of the Bergamo Musica Festival shine under Marcello Rota. Dimitra Theodossiou as Elizabeth offers a commanding and fiery performance—stopping the show in the third act with sustained pianissimo—while Massimiliano Pisapia as Devereux, and Federica Bragaglia as Sara, are solid. Although many may prefer the famous Beverly Sills 1975 performance, this satisfying production (presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.0 and stereo) offers an excellent alternative. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Roberto Devereux
(2006) 134 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99. Naxos of America. Volume 23, Issue 5
Roberto Devereux
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: