Lucia di Lammermoor

opera by Donizetti

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Lucia di Lammermoor is a tragic opera by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, first performed in 1835. The opera is based on Sir Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermoor. It tells the story of Lucia, who is forced into a marriage with a man she does not love, leading to madness and death.12

Donizetti was a prolific composer, and Lucia di Lammermoor is considered one of his masterpieces, showcasing the bel canto style with its emphasis on vocal agility and expressive melodies. The opera is known for its dramatic intensity and powerful vocal performances, particularly the famous "mad scene". It remains a staple of the operatic repertoire.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Joan Sutherland
…Covent Garden revived Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor for her, and in 1961 she made her New York City debut in the same role at the Metropolitan Opera. Her performance in this difficult title role won international recognition.
Read More
…Covent Garden revived Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor for her, and in 1961 she made her New York City debut in the same role at the Metropolitan Opera. Her performance in this difficult title role won international recognition.
Read More