Gaetano Donizetti

La Favorita

La Favorita, written in France by the Italian composer Donizetti is a tragedy, built around the ill-fated love affair between the king's mistress, Léonor, and a young novice monk, Fernand, who, not knowing her true identity, betrays his vows to pursue her. Frustrated by circumstance, obligation and misunderstanding, their love is realized only at her death.

La Favorite was a favorite at the Paris Opéra, performed consistently until the early twentieth century. Since that time it has become more widely known in its Italian translation. This edition of the libretto is in both Italian and English.