Enrico di Borgogna, Opera by G. Donizetti
Enrico di Borgogna, Gaetano Donizetti's early opera eroica, comes to the stage of Venice's Malibran Theatre, featuring the choir and orchestra of La Fenice. Bartolomeo Merelli, a childhood acquaintance of Donizetti, got him the commission to write the music for this opera. Merelli had been asked to produce a new libretto for a touring company which had been booked to perform in Venice by its leader and impresario, Paolo Zancia. The young writer suggested his old schoolfriend as a potential composer and Zancia agreed to let Donizetti, who was only 20 years old at the time, score the music. Consequently, Enrico di Borgogna was first performed on 14 November 1818 at Venice's Teatro San Luca. Despite some technical issues on the opening night, critics agreed that Donizetti's music showed much talent.
Merelli's libretto is based on Der Graf von Burgund by August von Kotzebue, a work that tells the tale of Henry of Burgundy, a nobleman who has been cheated out of his birthright by a usurper named Guido. Enrico, the title character, is brought up in hiding not knowing that he is, in fact, the rightful heir to the throne of the Duchy of Burgundy. When he becomes an adult, he is informed of his true identity and the heroic nature of the opera's plot becomes apparent. Enrico must overcome various trials and tribulations in order to recover his throne and see justice done.
In the opera's second and final act, Enrico slips into Guido's castle so that he might see his lover, Elisa, for what he thinks may be the last time, because she is set to marry Guido. In grave danger, Enrico is saved from being discovered by the court jester, Gilberto, who says he will guide the young hero to Elisa's room. Meanwhile, Guido is threatening Elisa's very life if she refuses to go through with the marriage. Guido leaves in anger, allowing Enrico to meet with Elisa. Will the two reconcile and what will happen if Guido returns and there is a confrontation? Donizetti's music conveys the drama superbly with some light, more comical touches throughout which add to the operatic depth of the score.
The Malibran Theatre's staging of Enrico di Borgogna features tender music with emotive qualities throughout. This notably occurs in the duet Tutto di te sollecito which is sung by Elisa and Enrico in Act II in which their mutual concern, hope and affection for one another is tenderly expressed.