Mary Stuart, Queen Of Scots: The Historical Figure As Realized In Donizetti's Maria Stuarda

This study explores the historical figure of Mary Queen of Scots as she has been understood and interpreted in the lyrical drama of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda. Nearly as intriguing as the trio of historical Tudor Queens that attracted Donizetti’s creative powers is the full intrigue which surrounded the genesis of Maria Stuarda. In addition to political censorship, prima donna rivalry and a disappointing premiere threatened to cast the legacy of Maria Stuarda aside. There is much to be discovered about Maria Stuarda and many details to be pursued which may enlighten our understanding of Donizetti’s creative process and how Stuarda’s complicated development impacts decisions for a modern production. A significant part of this study explores the creative genesis of Maria Stuarda, extending to the rediscovery in the 1980s of Donizetti’s original autograph of the opera – details which allowed for the development of Ricordi’s critical edition, which in turn has effected and informed a recent resurgence of interest and knowledge in producing this work.U of I OnlyUIUC School of Music polic