The vocal profile of the character “Anna Bolena” from the homonymous opera by Gaetano Donizetti

Abstract

Anna Bolena is one of the most representative works of the composer Gaetano Donizetti because it marks the transition from the style of its predecessors (Rossini, Mayr, Pacini) to a more well-defined personal style. This study addresses the vocal profile of the main character, both in the context of the characteristic vocal typology and in the context of the voice-dramaturgy relationship. The character of Anna Bolena highlights the vocality of dramatic coloratura soprano and outlines the new hypostase of “prima donna” in the italian opera - that of the performer-actress.