Lucia di Lammermoor

By far the most renowned of Gaetono Donizetti's tragic operas, Lucia di Lammermoor is based roughly on Sir Walter Scott's novel, The Bride of Lammermoor. Set in the Scottish hillside of the 17th Century, the story concerns the sensitive Lucy Ashton, who is caught in the middle of a generational feud between the Ashton and Ravenswood families. The opera is known for its technically demanding vocal performances, particularly the iconic “mad scene” aria “il dolce suono … Spargi d’amaro pianto.”