Mary, Queen of Arts
Few monarchs have been as inspirational as the Scottish Queen, writes Joanna Moorhead. Here are some of her resurrections on stage, page and film.
Few monarchs have been as inspirational as the Scottish Queen, writes Joanna Moorhead. Here are some of her resurrections on stage, page and film.
Gaetano Donizetti’s opera
Premiered at La Scala in 1835, Maria Stuarda was banned by the Milan authorities soon afterwards because of its perceived inflammatory content. It was more than a century later, in 1958, that Donizetti’s home town of Bergamo revived it. Since then it has been acknowledged as one of the composer’s greatest works, particularly for the extended duet in Act II between Mary and Elizabeth. Famous pairings of the regal cousins included Joan Sutherland and Huguette Tourangeau at Covent Garden in 1977, and Janet Baker and Rosalind Plowright at the ENO.
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
