Programs · Episode

DONIZETTI: The Elixir of Love

Program: At the Opera
Aired: Saturday, November 24, 2018 @ 6:00 pm
Hosted by Lisa Simeone

On its face, the story of L'elisir d'amore features little to be taken seriously. Yet Donizetti's music transports the opera beyond the world of farce to a place where simple confidence leads to life-changing revelations.  We'll explore it through three, top notch recordings, featuring singers including tenor Luciano Pavarotti, sopranos Kathleen Battle and Angele Gheorghiu, and tenor Roberto Alagna, who performs the widely popular opera "Una furtiva lagrima."

Featured Recordings:

Evelino Pidò, conductor
Lyon Opera Orchestra and Chorus
(Decca 4783416)
CAST:  Angela Gheorghiu (Adina); Roberto Alagna (Nemorino); Simone Alaimo (Dr. Dulcamara); Roberto Scaltriti (Belcore)

Francesco Molinari Pradelli, conductor
Rome Opera Orchestra and Chorus
(Warner Classics 48280)
CAST: Mirella Freni (Adina); Nicolai Gedda (Nemorino); Renato Capecchi (Dr. Dulcamara); Mario Sereni (Belcore)

James Levine, conductor
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus
(DG 429744)
CAST: Kathleen Battle (Adina); Luciano Pavarotti (Nemorino); Enzo Dara (Dr. Dulcamara); Leo Nucci (Belcore)

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