Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) composed his operas in an era dominated by great exponents of bel-canto singing, and his works are filled with arias and ensembles that demonstrate the formidable range, stamina, and technical facility this great vocal tradition required. The composer based Lucia di Lammermoor on Sir Walter Scott's popular novel The Bride of Lammermoor and fashioned the leading roles of Lucia and Edgardo for two of the greatest virtuosi of his day. Brimming with melody, lyrical exp...