Composer

:

Gaetano Donizetti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1826

Average_duration

:

117:45

Gabriella di Vergy is an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1826. The libretto was written by Andrea Leone Tottola, based on the play Gabrielle de Vergy by Dormont De Belloy. The opera premiered on June 29, 1826, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The plot of Gabriella di Vergy revolves around the titular character, Gabriella, who is married to Count Florival, but is in love with his cousin, the Count of Coucy. Gabriella and the Count of Coucy plan to elope, but their plan is discovered by Florival, who challenges the Count of Coucy to a duel. Gabriella, desperate to save her lover, confesses to Florival that she was the one who planned the elopement. Florival, enraged, kills the Count of Coucy and imprisons Gabriella in a tower. Gabriella's father, the Duke of Burgundy, arrives and demands her release. Florival agrees, but only if Gabriella will publicly confess her guilt. Gabriella agrees, but as she is about to do so, she collapses and dies. The opera is divided into three acts and features several notable musical movements, including Gabriella's aria "Ah! Non posso al mio ben vivere" in Act I, and the duet between Gabriella and the Count of Coucy, "Ah! T'invola agl'occhi miei" in Act II. One of the characteristics of Gabriella di Vergy is its use of bel canto style, which emphasizes the beauty and purity of the voice. Donizetti's music is known for its lyrical melodies and expressive vocal lines, which are showcased in the opera's many arias and duets. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including the Act III finale, which brings together the entire cast in a dramatic and emotional conclusion. Overall, Gabriella di Vergy is a tragic tale of love and betrayal, set to some of Donizetti's most beautiful music. Its premiere was well-received, and the opera has since become a staple of the bel canto repertoire.

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