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Maria Stuarda (Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots) an opera seria by Gaetano Donizetti, Maria Stuarda plot summary, Maria Stuarda characters, and Maria Stuarda history info.
Gaetano Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda (Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots) Composed: 1834 First Performance: December 30, 1835 La Scala, Milan (Italy) Language: Italian Libretto: Giuseppe Badari, after a tragedy by Friedrich von Schiller Setting: England, 1850’s Opera seria (serious opera) in 3 acts.The Main Characters in Maria Stuarda
Basic Plot Summary of Maria Stuarda Act IQueen Elisabetta, Queen of England, has received a marriage proposal from the King of France that would, if she were to accept, merge the two thrones. Courtiers ask the Queen to pardon her cousin, Maria Stuarda (Mary, Queen of Scots). The Queen is in-love with Leicester, but fears that his love is for Maria instead. Leicester brings Elisabetta a letter asking permission of the queen to have a meeting with Maria, who is currently a prisoner at Castle Fotheringay. Elisabetta accuses Leicester of loving Maria. Leicester denies any involvement with Maria. Act IILeicester travels to Fotheringay Castle to see Maria and ready her for her meeting with queen Elisabetta. When Leicester arrives, he promises Maria that she will be freed and pledges her his love. Queen Elisabetta arrives. Maria asks the queen for forgiveness. Elisabetta cannot hide her hatred of her cousin Maria and curses her as evil. Maria then returns the insults, calling Queen Elisabetta a harlot. Elisabetta condemns Maria to death. Act IIIAt Westminster, the Queen debates whether or not she should sign the death warrant for Maria. Elisabetta is convinced by Cecil to sign it. When Leicester enters, the queen orders him to be a witness to Maria’s execution. She also tells him that he is to be the one who is to bury “his beloved Maria.” Maria is alone with her friend Talbot, when she receives the warrant for her execution. Talbot reveals that he is, in fact, a priest. Maria gives Talbot her final confessions of her sins. Maria goes to her death, with Leicester looking on. The Lord Chancellor announces Maria’s death and that in her death, peace has returned to England. Other Operas written by Gaetano Donizetti:
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The copyright of the article Maria Stuarda – Donizetti Opera in Italian Opera is owned by Bryce Westervelt. Permission to republish Maria Stuarda – Donizetti Opera in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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