by Mark Deming
synopsis
Mirella Freni stars in this lavish production of Francesco Cilea's opera about a famous actress and her scandalous romantic rivalries. Adriana Lecouvreur is a star of the stage who could seemingly have any man she wanted, but when she falls head over heels in love with the Count of Saxony, she discovers he's already been pledged to the Princess of Bouillon, leading to a war of the wills between them. Adriana Lecouvreur records a 1989 performance of the opera staged by the Teatro Alla Scala, under the direction of Gianandrea Gavazzeni.
characteristics
- Self-Destructive Romance
- Crowned Heads
- Forbidden Love
- Romantic Betrayal
- Count (nobility)
- Carnal Knowledge
- Star-Crossed Lovers
- Aristocracy
- A Good Cry
- Aristocrat
- Rival
- Tragic-love
- Poison
- Royalty
- Envy
