Roberto Serrai

Unforeseen and born out of unique circumstances, this is a unique record. This is the first album I have made devoted entirely to French song. I think this is no more than my French listeners deserve. We have made numerous journeys together, from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to South America with Pasión, from Italy to the United States with Little Italy, but I thought it was finally time to play the music of our own native land, too. Thats why I am dedicating this album in its entirety to French song, but with a twist. Between the lines, as it were, in this repertoire, I have sought to highlight all the variety of genres and influences from near and far that are now intrinsic elements of French musical identity and heritage. As many are no doubt aware, I am passionate about different musical cultures from all over the world. As we explore the French repertoire, we shall make many musical discoveries on our travels…

Beverly Sills has said that Elizabeth I in Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux was the role that took 10 years off her career, and indeed, it’s a fearsome undertaking. It is very long, it encompasses a slightly larger than two-octave span, there are forte passages at both ends (in ensembles and alone), and the sheer number of notes the character has to get out is awe-inspiring. Emotionally, too, the part is ripping: The elderly Elizabeth, in love with the young Earl of Essex who in turn loves Sara, the Duchess of Nottingham (forget real English history), is a ferocious monarch, comfortable and powerful only when ruling, and, in private, a shattered woman filled with vulnerabilities and doubts. It’s a truly tragic figure Donizetti has given us, and when Sills first appeared in the role at the New York City Opera in 1970, it cemented her reputation as one of the world’s greatest singing actresses. (Montserrat Caballé and Leyla Gencer performed it in Europe at approximately the same period, and while their readings are poignant and special in the way that only they can be, Sills gets deeper into the character and sings all of the notes–and then some–more accurately than either.)