Francesca di Foix

'Francesca di Foix is no inconsequential work; rather it is a gem in miniature, featuring all of the stylistic elements of primo ottocento opera in one single act. Kudos to Opera Rara for (re)introducing it to the world' Denise Gallo, Opera Today

'Once again the forces at Opera Rara have unearthed a little jewel of a piece, cast it attentively and produced it beautifully' Ira Siff, Opera News

No one has ever seen Francesca, Countess of Foix (Annick Massis) because her jealous husband, The Count (Alfonso Antoniozzi), keeps her locked in a tower. You can’t really blame him. His employer, the King (Pietro Spagnoli), has a famous eye for the girls. But, surely this can’t be a problem because she is so ugly. We know this because the Count tells everyone. The King is suspicious and the Page (Jennifer Larmore) and the Duke (Bruce Ford) are curious. Just how hideous can she be? A one-act opera in 1831 had little chance of survival following its initial performances. With the public’s insatiable appetite for new works, Francesca di Foix was a Donizetti heroine destined to remain on the shelf – that is, until Opera Rara came to her rescue. Now, in this witty and captivating first ever recording, the beauties of Donizetti’s charming score can once again be enjoyed today.