MARGHERITA D’ANJOU Melodramma semiseria in 2 atti Composer: Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791–1864) Libretto: Felice Romani, after Réné Charles Guilbert de Pixérécourt First performance : La Scala, Milan, 14 November 1820 No. 11 – Terzetto: ‘Pensa e guarda, amico, all'erta!’ No. 12 – Sestetto: ‘Ecco altezza a voi davanti’ The evil Duke of Gloucester arrives at Belmonte’s cottage, where Margaret of Anjou is disguised as a peasant woman, married to the French doctor Michele Gamautte. He orders to see Gamautte’s wife, and recognises her as the queen. He threatens her, but she is saved by the Duke of Lavarenne and French soldiers. Gloucester takes Margaret’s son hostage, but is defeated by the timely arrival of some Highlanders. Carlo Belmonte (bass): Alastair Miles Riccardo, Duca di Glocester / Duke of Gloucester (bass): Pauls Putninš Michele Gamautte (bass): Fabio Previati Margherita d'Anjou (soprano): Annick Massis Isaura (mezzosoprano): Daniela Barcellona Il Duca di Lavarenne (tenor): Bruce Ford Geoffrey Mitchell Choir Conductor: David Parry London Philharmonic Orchestra Opera Rara, London, 2002