Lucia di Lammermoor is an opera from 1835, composed by Donizetti at the height of his popularity. With Rossini retired and Bellini having died, he was the only big opera composer in Italy. But cary the torch he did: Lammermoor was his big opus. It was also Joan Sutherland biggest success. This recording is one of many, as the role was kind of her specialty.
The story is taken from a historical novel by Sir Walter Scott. For the opera version it is terribly contorted. A series of unlikely events and contrived coincidences lead to the death of both main characters. As bad as the story might be, the music is superb, and it gives some of the most memorable moments in opera. Look out for Act 3, scene 2, the so called “mad scene”. In crazed fit Lucia stabs her husband in the bridal bed. She then stumbles into the main hall, unaware of what she has done, and asking for Edgardo, to whom she thinks is married instead.
Il dolce suono mi colpì di sua voce!
Ah, quella voce m'è qui nel cor discesa!
Edgardo! io ti son resa. Edgardo! Ah! Edgardo, mio! Si', ti son resa!
[The sweet sound of his voice struck me!
Ah, that voice has entered my heart!
Edgardo! I surrender to you, oh my Edgardo!]