Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra

Gioachino Rossini

Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) was the most celebrated Italian composer of his age, a master of both opera buffa and opera seria. Born in Pesaro, he penned nearly forty operas before the age of thirty-seven, including immortal works such as “Il barbiere di Siviglia,” “La Cenerentola,” and “Guillaume Tell.” “Adina, ovvero Il Califfo di Bagdad” (1818), though lesser-known, showcases all the melodic wit, rhythmic verve, and vocal brilliance that made Rossini the darling of Europe.

Rossini’s distinctive style, characterized by elegant melodies, rapid vocal passages, lively rhythms, and inventive orchestration, had a profound influence on nineteenth-century opera. His music combines theatrical energy with remarkable technical precision, allowing singers to display both virtuosity and expressive range. Even today, his operas remain staples of the international repertoire, admired for their wit, brilliance, and enduring freshness.

After retiring from the operatic stage at the height of his fame, he spent his later years in Paris as a revered cultural figure and gourmet.

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Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra is a two-act opera by Gioachino Rossini, with a libretto by Giovanni Schmidt, which was first performed in Naples in 1815. The story is set at the English court during the reign of Elizabeth I. Upon General Leicester’s victorious return from the war against Scotland, the queen, who is secretly in love with him, honours him and even offers him the crown as her husband. Leicester, however, has secretly married Matilde, daughter of Mary Stuart, and their secret is betrayed by his rival Norfolk, who is jealous and ambitious. Elizabeth discovers the truth, accuses the two of treason and has them arrested along with Matilda’s brother, Henry.

In the second act, the queen, her pride wounded, offers Matilda a pardon if she renounces Leicester in writing; the young woman reluctantly agrees, but Leicester tears up the document, preferring to die with her. Whilst Norfolk plots a revolt to free Leicester and kill the sovereign, Elizabeth secretly makes her way to the prison. Norfolk attempts to assassinate her, but is stopped by Leicester, Matilda and Enrico. The queen sentences the traitor to death and, moved by the lovers’ loyalty and courage, grants pardon to Leicester and the Scottish prisoners, finally renouncing her earthly affections to devote herself entirely to the throne.

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