La Favorita [VHS]
by Cesare Barlacchi

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Summary of La Favorita [VHS]

DONIZETTI: Gaetano Donizetti composed an estimated 70 operas during his prolific career. Shaping his pieces along symphonic lines, his writings added a dramatic urgency that paved the way for Verdi and others. The originality and depth of his music created a vibrant inner life that often made the stock characters believable.

PLOT: Fernando, a young monk, tells his superior that he is in love and must leave his vows. What he does not know is the women he loves is the King's mistress, Leonora (La Favorita). The Church threatens to excommunicate the King when he announces that he will remove the Queen to marry his mistress. The King succumbs to this just as Fernando returns victorious from the war. Honoring his triumph, the kings grant Fernando anything he wants. He chooses Leonora's hand in marriage. Not wanting to deceive her future husband, Leonora sends a letter (which is intercepted) explaining her past. But Fernando learns of Leonora's secret from court gossip and, feeling deceived, returns to the Monastery. Leonora follows him and, after revealing the truth, they declare their love, as the tale winds to its tragic end.

V.I.E.W. VIDEO presents a sparkling new print of this recently discovered film, directed by Cesare Barlacchi, and beautifully performed by La Scala and Rome Opera stars. Donizetti's "La Favorita" has "flowing melodies" and " moments of true inspiration"(Kobbe)??? and a young Sophia Loren on the brink of international fame.

First Performance: Paris Opera, December 2.

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• Musicals & Performing Arts