FAVORITA, La, grand opera in four acts by Gaetano Donizetti (libretto by Royer and Waetz) first produced at Paris 2 Dec. 1840, the same year as the production of his 'La Fille du Regiment) In contrast with the latter, it was an immediate success, though time has since reversed the verdict. The sub ject matter of the book is borrowed from a French drama Comte de Commingues" and has a strong dramatic climax. The title refers to Leonora, the favorite of King Alphonso of Castile, whom the Pope will not permit him to marry. She and Fernando, a young novice of the monastery, have fallen in love. The king resolves to aid them, but Fernando learning of her past, . seeks refuge in the monastery. Leonora follows him and after convincing him of the purity of her love, expires in his arms. Donizetti never wrote anything more dramatic than the last act of this opera. It is credibly
claimed that he composed practically the whole of it (with the exception of the romanza aSpirito gentil,* which was taken from an un published work) in from three to four hours — a remarkable instance of his facility in writing. In the first act, the aria °Una Virgule* sung by Fernando, and the duet between him and Leonora may be singled out for mention. The aria °O mio Fernando* in the third act is a favorite with all contraltos and the concerted finale of this act is one of the most effective in all Donizetti's works. The chorus of monks in the first scene of the fourth act, the exquisite gentil,* already referred to — the most popular piece in the opera—and the closing duet, full of pathos and beauty, are the most conspicuous numbers.