Rome (Italy), 1981– Genoa (Italy) 1993
“Protagonist Raina Kabaivanska was a triumph. Her Elizabeth dominated the entire performance. Just like in 1981, she knew how to supply adjust her voice of lyrical soprano to the requirements of a part for agile soprano, and she did this with refined technique, with truly insightful dramatic instinct, and with extraordinary musicality, confirming once again her reputation of a great actress. The opinion of the audience that decreed her triumph seemed justified and well-deserved.”
TEODORO CELLI
Il Messaggero
“Kabaivanska who, after her memorable Fausta at the Rome Opera, has not sung Donizetti, has chosen, in her turn, to face the inhuman deviations of the virgin Queen. Some feared the worst, having in mind her numerous incursions in the verismo repertoire. This, however, would mean forgetting the actress’s versatility, her extraordinary Armide, her fascinating Vestale, her regal Fausta. As soon as she appears on the stage, Kabaivanska - both with her singing and acting – dissipates all misunderstanding, and paints a portrait of Elizabeth which shall remain engraved in our memory. An almost masculine behaviour, authoritative – meaning, rude – gestures, serving to a lasting and fluent, penetrating and assured emanation, as well as exemplary technique.
Everything is admirable: the legato in the spianato aria “L’amor suo mi fe’ beata” (“Your love makes me blessed”), the mastership and perfect control in the solo parts of the duet with Roberto, the powerful accent in the invectives of Act II, and especially, the blatant truth of the last act, experienced with sometimes unbearable intensity. In this last scene, a Queen without makeup appears on the stage, carrying the burden of her 60 years on her shoulders. The long white shirt is unable to hide the body of an old woman. She is looking for refuge and crying, “Vivi, ingrato”, and the entire hall is crying with her, before exploding into a storm of applause. The Queen Kabaivanska has just won a sacred battle. Perhaps the most important one in her career. “
Sergio Segalini
Opéra International