“Eterno amore e fè”

Gaetano Donizetti, "Eterno amore e fè"
Katherine Beck, mezzo-soprano; Enrique Mazzola, piano

Donizetti (1797-1848), the most prolific of all major opera composers of any nationality, produced a quantity of solo songs that, in sheer numbers, more than matched his massive operatic output. "Eterno amore e fè" ("Eternal love and faith") reminds us that this composer never wrote a vocally ungrateful phrase. The words and sentiments here are disarmingly simple and straightforward: "Before God, I swear at your feet that I'm faithful to you, and to live and die for you is all that I desire from heaven." In its particular vocal character, as well as in the absolute sincerity it requires, this song is something one could imagine hearing from one of the more demure Donizetti or Rossini heroines, albeit with a mix of both sweetness and determination in the final phrase.

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*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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The Sole E Amore performance you enjoyed is just one example of how Lyric Opera of Chicago is expanding the definition of what opera means in today's world.

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker