Ottorino Respighi’s ‘mystery in three episodes’, Maria Egiziaca, started out as a concert triptych. Its intensely dramatic and at times symphonic qualities give it a character somewhere between an oratorio and an opera. Based on the life of Saint Mary of Egypt, the archaic story of Maria Egiziaca revolves around faith seen through its various characters, with Maria’s journey from prostitution to sainthood conveyed as an expressive and eloquently immediate musical fresco. This Teatro La Fenice production of Respighi’s profoundly moving and deeply sensuous stage work was critically acclaimed.

‘Manlio Benzi's reading was careful and thorough, and he managed to bring together the eclecticism of Respighi's music, which... does not neglect the example of his contemporaries.’ – GBOPERA

‘Soprano Francesca Dotto showcased an impressive versatility and physical ability in the title role of the opera. The lyric voice, with tight vibrato, brought a sense of visceral and musical urgency to a production marked by symbolism.’ – Operawire

‘Francesca Dotto incorporates the eponymous part with total and compelling identification, which engages her to the last resource, both in recitative and singing, finding it adequate in the material – against a scabrous writing – and even more in the intellect.’ – APEMUSICALE.IT

Cast:
- Maria: Francesca Dotto (soprano)
- Il pellegrino/L’abate Zosimo: Simone Alberghini (baritone)
- Il marinaio/Il lebbroso: Vincenzo Costanzo (tenor)
- Un compagno: Michele Galbiati (tenor)
- Un altro compagno/Il povero: Luigi Morassi (tenor)
- La cieca/La voce dell’Angelo: Ilaria Vanacore (soprano)
- Una voce dal mare: William Corrò (bass-baritone)
- Dancer: Maria Novella Della Martira

Director, set and costume designer: Pier Luigi Pizzi
Light designer: Fabio Barettin
Video director: Tiziano Mancini

Recording place: Teatro Malibran, Venice, Italy
Recording date: 10 March 2024
Sung in Italian

Video format / Aspect ratio: 16:9 1080i60 –
Audio format: PCM STEREO 2.0 / DTS 5.1 HD Master Audio
Region code: 0 – All regions
Subtitles: Italian, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean
Notes: Italian, English
Duration: 77 min. approx.