Credits:

Antonello Allemandi

Description:

In the Kingdom of Castile in the 14th century, Fernand, a monk in love with the beautiful Leonor, incurs the wrath of his father, Balthazar, the abbot, and is expelled from the monastery. Although Fernand does not know Leonors true background, he realizes that, since she is at least a woman of high birth, he must obtain permission from King Afonso XI to marry her; to that end, he resolves to distinguish himself in battle. Fernand returns triumphant after a glorious victory over the Muslims, but his beloved Leonor is, in fact, the kings favorite. Upon learning the truth, FernandIn 1839, Donizetti (17971948), who was living in Paris at the time, composed *LAnge de Nizida* at the request of the Opra, but the work ultimately remained unperformed. Consequently, some of its beautiful music was repurposed for *La Favorita*. With the addition of several new arias, this opera premiered in 1840. W