Francesca di Foix

"Francesca di Foix" is a "melodramma giocoso" or opera in one act by Gaetano Donizetti (1831) from a libretto by Domenico Gilardoni, based on "Françoise de Foix" by Jean-Nicolas Bouilly and Emmanuel Mercier-Dupaty.

It received its first performance on 30 May 1831 at the Teatro San Carlo, Naples.

Seldom performed today, the opera is chiefly known for having provided segments to other Donizetti operas, including "Ugo, conte di Parigi", "L'elisir d'amore" and "Gabriella di Vergy" although a complete recording exists on the "Opera Rara" label.

Roles

Synopsis

The Count is determined to keep his beautiful wife Francesca well away from the temptations of the French court. Knowing the amorous ways of the nobility he tells them that she is unwilling to appear in public because she is extremely ugly.

Unfortunately this raises the interest of the King who despatches one of his gentlemen (the Duke) to investigate, and if he finds that the Countess is beautiful he must lure her back incognito to court.

Sure enough the Duke is able to persuade Francesco to return to Paris with him. Rather than admit his deceit her husband at first refuses to acknowledge who she is. To force his hand the King announces that a tournament is to be held and the winning knight will be given Francesca's hand in marriage.

The Count can no longer keep up his subterfuge and admits that, driven by jealousy, he lied to the King and his courtiers. After due admonishment by the King all is forgiven and the Count and Countess live happily ever after.

Selected recordings

External links

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