Gaetano Donizetti archive
Read Talk Like An Opera Geek: Savoring The Bel Canto Sound
March 28, 2012 – The "beautiful singing" of the early 1800s marks an appealing milestone in the story of opera.
Read Talk Like An Opera Geek: Sizing Up Sopranos
November 9, 2011 – From stratospheric coloraturas to jet-powered Wagnerians, learn to love our highest-flying singers.
Listen A Romantic Sensation: 'Lucia Di Lammermoor' WDAV
September 9, 2011 – An opera that's wound its way into a host of other works, from Anna Karenina to The Departed. WDAV
Read The Official James Levine Puzzler
June 2, 2011 – Celebrate the famed (and beleaguered) conductor's 40 years at the Met with this interactive puzzler.
Listen Brilliance In The Shadows: Mercadante's 'Virginia' WDAV
May 27, 2011 – Once a great hit in Italy, this opera of ancient Roman intrigues has unfairly long languished. WDAV
Listen History Under the Bright Lights: Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena'
April 22, 2011 – The historical figure Anne Boleyn comes vividly to life in Donizetti's psychological drama.
Listen History with a Twist: Donizetti's 'Roberto Devereux' WDAV
March 4, 2011 – Donizetti's drama brings life to rumors that the 'Virgin Queen' actually had a secret love life. WDAV
Listen Passions And Potions: Donizetti's 'The Elixir of Love' WDAV
December 31, 2010 – Real, honest love beats any potion-induced passion in Donizetti's lighthearted romp. WDAV
Listen 5 Operas That Are Truly Bloodier Than 'True Blood'
September 16, 2010 – Where will True Blood fans get their fix now that season three has ended? In a word: Opera.
Read Renee Fleming Sings 'Lucrezia Borgia'
August 27, 2010 – The celebrated soprano takes on Donizetti's steamy title role, with Placido Domingo conducting.
Listen Enrico Caruso, And Confessions Of An Operaholic
May 17, 2010 – An NPR Music producer recalls how a singer from a bygone day triggered his love of opera.
Listen Donizetti's Darling 'Daughter of the Regiment'
July 24, 2009 – In Donizetti's romantic comedy, JiYoung Lee plays a military brat, raised by an entire regiment.
Listen Deceptive Seduction: Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale'
April 17, 2009 – This exuberant comedy is graced by the composer's trademark touch of gentle pathos.
Listen Mad About Donizetti's 'Lucie Di Lammermoor'
August 22, 2008 – Rarely performed in its French version, the opera set the standard for melodrama and mad scenes.
Listen Quarreling Queens: Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda'
May 30, 2008 – Political foes in real life, in the opera house Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart fall for the same man.