Linda di Chamounix is a pretty country girl who is in love with Carlo, who she believes is a penniless artist. Her honor is threatened by the local squire and she escapes to Paris in search of fortune. This is a tale of courage and madness, in which we discover and experience the strength and suffering of a woman torn apart by estrangement from family and love. Donizetti reaped full and long-lasting success with Linda di Chamounix, and it became one of his most modern, appreciated and long-lived works. Jessica Pratt leads an all-star cast in this acclaimed production from the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

REVIEW:

Michele Gamba conducts the opera as a typical bel canto product. This results in a rather soft, rounded and warm sound with subtle nuances. Other conductors have conducted in a more gripping and contrasting manner, but Gamba’s consistently maintained line is certainly fitting. Under his direction, the chorus and orchestra of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino give solid performances.

Jessica Pratt can rely on her good vocal technique to score with secure high notes and a warm voice. The mad scene at the end of Act II becomes the dramatic climax of her performance.

Francesco Demuro has a pleasant timbre and sings a consistently good Carlo with fine nuances.

Fabio Capitanucci makes adequate use of his lyric baritone voice to achieve a good characterization of the Marquis de Boisfleury. Marina De Liso draws a strong portrait of Linda’s mother, while Teresa Iervolino sings a very good Pierotto. Vittorio Prato (Linda’s father Antonio) defends his role convincingly. The remaining roles are acceptably cast.

-- Pizzicato (Remy Franck)