Imelda de' Lambertazzi

"Imelda de' Lambertazzi" is a "melodramma tragico" or tragic opera in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti (1830), from a libretto by Andrea Leone Tottola, based on the tragedy "Imelda" by Gabriele Sperduti.

ynopsis

This is a variation of the story of Romeo and Juliet. The families are the Lambertazzi (supporting the Guelfs) and the Geremei (supporting the Ghibelline). Imelda Lambertazzi loves Bonifacio, heir of the Geremei. When Bonifacio proposes peace between the families, to be sealed by their marriage, he is met with the ire of Imelda's father and brother. When Bonifacio attempts to see Imelda, he is stabbed with a poisoned dagger by her brother. Imelda pleas for forgiveness from her father before expiring herself.

Performance history

It received its first performance on 5 September, 1830 at the Teatro San Carlo, Naples. The opera was not a great success and performances of it have been scarce.

A concert performance of this work was performed on March 10, 2007 by [http://www.opera-rara.com/site Opera Rara] at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, under the baton of Mark Elder with soprano Nicole Cabell in the title role, James Westman, Frank Lopardo and Massimo Giordano and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Roles

Selected recordings

* "Live recording, Lugano, Feb 1989." Floriana Sovilla, Diego d'Auria, Andrea Martin, Fausto Tenzi, Gastone Sarti, Italian Switzerland Radio/TV Orchestra, cond. Marc Andreae. "Nuova Era" 6778/79

External links

* [http://www.karadar.com/Librettos/donizetti_imelda.html Libretto] (Italian)