Anna Bolena (Complete opera) [Recorded in 1973]

"And so to the crucial title role. Does Beverly Sills live up to the expectations? Indeed she does. From her first entrance early in act I it's clear that here is an artist with a full grip on the proceedings. Her voice is crystal clear and has considerable warmth - which sometimes has been missing from her armoury. Her incisiveness with words comes as no surprise, her technical accomplishment likewise. There is often a disarming simplicity and youthfulness in her singing."
(MusicWeb May 2009)

It was with this opera, premiered in Milan in 1830, that Donizetti's reputation as one of the leading opera composers of Europe was cemented. The premiere was quickly followed by performances in London, Paris, and in 1839, in New Orleans. Finally, Donizetti had a good libretto, though one that doesn't let the facts of the real life of Anne Boleyn get in the way of the story!

This recording which dates from 1973 using the uncut version of the opera has been at the top of the critics' list of recommended versions since its release. The cast is very strong, and the supporting roles each have big-name singers. But the real star of this recording is Beverly Sills, closely followed by Shirley Verrett.

'Sills puts heart and soul into the drama of what is, after all, a very strenuous role … Shirley Verrett is a superb Giovanna (Jane Seymour).' Gramophone

Booklet contains an introduction to the opera, and a comprehensive synopsis of the plot

Complete non-copyright libretto available for download at www.brilliantoperacollection.com

Advertising in Gramophone, plus major editorial and feature coverage in the specialist classical press