Librettist unknown but the story was inspired by Donizetti seeing an 1816 performance of an opera by Carafa of the same name based on a gory conflation of two mediaeval French legends; Le Chatelaine de Coucy et la Dame de Fayel and Roman de la Chastelaine de Vergy. Thse stories had been kept alive by Boccaccio, Bandello, D'Arnaud and Gozzi and with the publication in 1733 of Anecdotes de la Cour de Philippe Auguste by Mlle de Lussan.

Written in Naples in 1826 early in Donizetti's career, Gabriella di Vergy was never performed in his lifetime. It was not until 1869 that it had its first performance by which time it had been tampered with by others. A London musicologist, Don White found that the Library of the University of London did in fact hold another version again; one prepared by Donizetti himself in 1838 but not performed. Donizetti characteristically used various pieces from both the 1826 and 1838 versions in other operas and some scenes and arias where published separately. The 1838 score was donated to London University in 1954 by Sir Louis Stirling but its prior history in unknown.

The recent Opera Rara recording represents the world premiere of the 1838 version of this work.

The action takes place in the Castle of Autrei, Burgundy, in the 13th century.

Gabriella, Ludmilla Andrew
Fayel, Count di Vergy Christian du Plessis
Raoul de Coucy Maurice Arthur
Filippo II, King of France John Tomlinson
Almeide, Fayel’s sister Joan Davies
Armando, a gentleman of the household John Winfield
Knights, nobles, ladies, servants, soldiers Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: conductor Alun Francis

Synopsis

Act I

In the chapel of the Castle Autrei, Gabriella and her ladies are praying. Fayel, listening, longs to see into Gabriella's heart, to know who her prayers are for - does she still love the now-dead Raoul? He remembers the beautiful, gentle creature she was when he first saw and fell in love with her.

Voices are heard calling to Fayel to bring his sword to save the life of Filippo, the king, who has been ambushed on the road to the Castle. Fayel leads his men off to battle.

Gabriella is lost in the memory of Raoul and the love they shared, and asks God why her memories of Raoul must always be strongest when Fayel holds her in his arms. Her ladies tell her that the king is coming and she should smile again. Their words comfort her and she assures them that today she is happy and at peace with herself.

A knight enters and speaks. Gabriella cannot believe the voice she hears. Can it be Raoul, alive? He tells her that the story of his death on a faraway battlefield was false, and how on his way along the coast he was set upon and found himself in a hovel where he was kept prisoner for ten months, until he finally escaped. But the bitterest blow, he tells her, was to discover that she had been unfaithful to him and had become the wife of another man, his rival. Gabriella tells him he is wrong to accuse her, that it was her father who forced her into a marriage that is miserable and unhappy. Then tell me you still love me, he demands. Gabriella begs him to leave her and never see her again. The entrance to the castle has been magnificently decorated for Filippo's arrival. Fayel's squires welcome Filippo's guards and, finally, Filippo himself, who enters surrounded by his knights, Raoul among them. The king addresses his followers, thanking them for their words, which bring peace to his heart. He proclaims the dawning of a new day of peace and love, and dedicates his life to his subjects.

Gabriella, Fayel and his sister, Almeide, kneel before the king. He asks them to take to their hearts the gallant knight who saved his life. It is Raoul. The king asks Fayel, as a reward for Raoul s valour, to give him the hand of Almeide in marriage. Fayel has no option but to agree, and Filippo asks that the ceremony take place that day so that he himself may witness it. Raoul, Gabriella and Fayel express their conflicting emotions.

In Gabriella's apartments Fayel comments on how unhappy she seems on a day that resounds with merriment and joy. He begs her, if only for an hour, to be the Gabriella she used to be. She reminds him of the way in which she was brought to the altar. Angrily he tells her to beware, that love can turn to rage.

He understands the reason for her sorrow... it is Almeide's wedding. Gabriella tells him he is wrong, that it is not love that makes him suspicious, but guilt and terror. Angered by her boldness, he threatens her. She tells him that it is he who should fear the wrath of heaven.

ACT II

In the castle courtyard, soldiers drink to peace. Raoul enters, deep in thought - all hope lost, his dreams shattered. He recalls how he loved Gabriella in his youth and how he loves her still. Armando brings him a message to attend Gabriella in her rooms. This news raises new hope in Raoul's heart.

In Gabriella's apartments Almeide asks Armando if he has given Raoul Gabriella's message. Gabriella enters and asks what message has been sent in her name. To Gabriella's horror, Almeide tells her that she has sent for Raoul and begs Gabriella to speak to him on her behalf. As Raoul enters, Gabriella tells him that it was not she who sent for him but Almeide. She begs him to love Almeide with the love that once made her so happy, then asks him to leave. He refuses and begs her to allow him a few moments in the radiance of her beauty. Almeide, overhearing them, cannot believe her ears and hurries away to fetch Fayel. Gabriella warns Raoul that his life is in peril and begs him to go. Only if you will tell me that you love me, he replies. Gabriella, helpless, confesses she still loves him, but advises him that her words may cost them dearly.

Fayel enters with Almeide, Filippo and his courtiers, and accuses Gabriella of betraying him. She pleads innocence, but Fayel's honour has been outraged and only Raoul's death will avenge it. He calls his guards to arrest him. Filippo reminds Fayel that he alone has the right to punish Raoul, and that if Gabriella and Raoul are guilty, he will be their judge. As Raoul is led away, the courtiers lament the bitterness that has soured a joyful day.

ACT III

In the castle courtyard Raoul protests to the king that his only crime has been to love Gabriella, whom Fayel has taken from him by force. Fayel demands justice, and Filippo bids them to settle their differences in a duel.

Raoul and Fayel argue bitterly and then, calling for two swords, prepare to leave for the field of honour. Raoul asks only one thing - that if he should fall, Gabriella at least should be spared - but Fayel will not even promise him this. Angrily they leave for the duel, followed by guards.

From the gateway of the castle Armando watches the duel. Almeide, too afraid to watch, asks him who is winning. The courtiers hurry back to report that both men were brave and skilful but that at last Fayel sank his blade deep into Raoul's breast, who fell like a hero with Gabriella's name on his lips.

In a dungeon in the castle tower where Gabriella is imprisoned, she laments the horror that now surrounds her. A distant sound alarms her... the duel! Who was defeated, who the victor? Fayel suddenly appears at the entrance to the dungeon. She asks him where Raoul is. Would I be here if he lived, he replies. He accuses her of loving Raoul. She tells him that her love for Raoul knows no bounds. Very well, says Fayel, then Raoul's last wish shall be granted. He calls a servant who enters with an urn covered by a cloth, followed by the courtiers. Gabriella at first believes it is poison with which her life is to be ended. Taking the doth from the vase she gives a cry - what is it she sees? Fayel tells her; it is the heart of Raoul. Grief-stricken, Gabriella calls down the wrath of God on Fayel's head, and begs him to leave her alone. The courtiers plead with Fayel to have pity on the dying woman, but he is unmoved by her grief and refuses to forgive her. With her last breath she once more affirms her love for Raoul.

Story by Don White, Opera Rara records.