On Dec. 11, the Metropolitan Opera reprises its production of Rossini's "La Donna del Lago" with the exceptional mezzo Joyce Didonato.

The Music

Rossini's music has always been known for its vocal fireworks and for its wealth of melodies. The score to this opera, based on the novel by Walter Scott, contains unusual orchestral colors including an offstage band and numerous choruses. The opera also contains a difficult trio for two tenors and the mezzo, which contains numerous high Cs. However, the most memorable and most famous moment of the opera is the mezzo's final aria "Tanti affetti." It contains thrilling coloratura roulades and jubilant music that concludes the opera.

The History

"La Donna del Lago" had its premiere at the Met last season and was performed eight times with a cast that included Juan Diego Florez and Didonato. Both singers have been well acquainted with the music of Rossini as they have performed "La Cenerentola," "Le Comte Ory," and "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" together at the Met. While the opera has been around for years and numerous singers have sung it throughout the world, Florez and Didonato are the main reason for reviving the opera into the main repertoire as they have performed it all over the world.

The two performed alongside John Osborn, Daniela Barcellona and Oren Gradus.

The production by Paul Curran was broadcast live in HD in movie theaters around the world.

The Production

Curran's production was a co-production Sante Fe Opera and contains traditional sets but with a minimalist touch often times containing barely anything on stage. The costumes themselves are traditional in scope and Elena, the lead character, only gets two costume changes throughout the work.

The Performers

Didonato returns to her acclaimed interpretation of Elena. Last season she was hailed for vocal fireworks and her mastery of Rossini's music. Latin Post raved and said, "In the latter, 'Tanti affetti,' her voice soared with ecstatic coloratura runs that pushed her voice to its aural extreme." Didonato is credited with reviving the work and she has performed the opera in Milan, London, Santa Fe and Paris.

In role of Giacomo, Lawrence Brownlee adds another Rossini role to his Met repertoire. The singer has become acquainted with the Bel Canto repertoire on the famed stage and has performed numerous works by Rossini including "Armida," "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" and "La Cenerentola." He has also performed works by Bellini and Donizetti.

Osborn reprises his role as Rodrigo. The tenor is also known for his work in bel canto and like Brownlee has performed in "Armida." The tenor made his Met debut in 1996 as the fourth Jew in Strauss' "Salome."

Barcellona returns to the role of Malcolm. Last year she made headlines with her interpretation and Latin Post said she "was a natural scene-stealer." The mezzo-soprano is known for her work in Verdi and Rossini and rarely performs at the Met.

Gradus rounds out the cast with Michele Mariotti conducting all five performances of the opera this season.

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