Gaetano Donizetti's Ugo Conte di Parigi is a bel canto opera that showcases the composer's gift for memorable melody and dramatic storytelling. This 2004 Dynamic recording features soprano Doina Dimitriu, tenor Yasuharu Nakaijma, mezzo Carmen Giannattasio, and the Orchestra del Teatro Donizetti di Bergamo conducted by Antonino Fogliani. The opera tells a tale of love and nobility in medieval France with Donizetti's characteristic blend of gorgeous vocal writing and theatrical energy. Fogliani's conducting brings out both the lyrical beauty and dramatic punch of the score, while the soloists deliver committed performances that capture the heart of bel canto style. The two-disc format allows the complete opera to unfold without cuts. A fine introduction to Donizetti's operatic voice.