About the work
Tragedia lirica in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti to a libretto by Felice Romani, based on Hippolyte-Louis-Florent Bis's play 'Blanche d'Aquitaine' (Paris, 1827). Romani clashed with the censors while writing it and initially withheld his name from the libretto. The premiere took place on 13 March 1832 at La Scala in Milan, with sets by Alessandro Sanquirico and a starry cast including Giuditta Pasta, Giulia Grisi and Domenico Donzelli.
Plot
In 10th-century France, Ugo is guardian to the young King Luigi. Ugo loves Adelia but is himself desired by Bianca, the king's betrothed. Consumed by jealousy and despair, Bianca poisons herself during Ugo and Adelia's wedding.
Cultural significance
Despite its starry cast, the opera was withdrawn after only five performances as Bellini's 'Norma', running concurrently, drew audiences away. Donizetti later reused parts of the music in other works; 'Ugo, conte di Parigi' itself fell into obscurity until Opera Rara reconstructed it from Donizetti's original manuscript in 1977 for its first modern performance and recording.