Donizetti: Don Pasquale - Donizetti Opera Festival (2024) [Blu-ray]

Donizetti’s Don Pasquale is one of a triumvirate of 19th-century Italian opere buffe – L’elisir d’amore and Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia being the others – that continue to enchant the world’s stages. Don Pasquale represents the high point of the opera buffa tradition, employing figures taken from commedia dell’arte – the blustering old man, his lovesick nephew, the wily widow and the scheming doctor – and brings new life to the genre in this beautifully constructed comic opera full of cabalettas, cadenzas and coloratura, gently tinged with melancholy. This production employs a new critical edition of the work and stars the seasoned baritone Roberto de Candia in the central role, alongside Giulia Mazzola as Norina.

‘Still in her 20s, Giulia Mazzola displayed a bright lyric soprano with fearless top notes and a fabulous trill... Camarena sang with elegance… Mexican conductor Iván López-Reynoso led a lively performance.’ – Bachtrack

‘Sogos is in good voice throughout and perfects the charm and cheek of his character whilst Mazzola gives a strong performance in her dual role, reflecting the changing persona and the developing role of Sofronia, and her vocal range was impressive.’ – North West End UK

‘…de Candia is gifted with an excellent instrument, the voice is mellow and full and he delivers an excellent aria as well as the following duet where Don Pasquale mumbles under the tenor's explained singing.… The singing is precise and bright, and Mazzola realizes her first and wide aria well. The long cabaletta is well-turned and the high notes focused well with general applause.’ – Trillo Parlante