Maria Di Rohan

Maria di Rohan, a tragic opera in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti, was originally composed for the Théâtre-Italien in Paris in 1843. It represents one of the composer's final contributions to the bel canto repertoire, written during a period of intense creative output while he was facing significant personal health struggles. The work is noted for its dramatic intensity and its focus on the vocal virtuosity required for the title role, which was originally written for the mezzo-soprano Eugenia Tadolini.

This specific recording, released on the Nuova Era label, features Mariana Nicolesco in the lead role alongside conductor Massimo De Bernart. Nuova Era was instrumental in the late 20th century for bringing lesser-known operatic works and live performance archives to a wider public, often highlighting mid-tier Italian regional orchestras. This production captures a revival of the work that emphasizes the stark, melancholic nature of Donizetti’s scoring, providing a scholarly and accessible interpretation for opera enthusiasts interested in the evolution of 19th-century Italian dramatic music.