Ottorino Respighi’s Maria Egiziaca, described by the composer as a ‘mystery in three episodes’, narrates the life of Saint Mary of Egypt in a profoundly moving and deeply sensuous musical representation of Christian faith as seen through its various characters. This work, depicting Maria’s journey from prostitution to sainthood through sin, conversion and atonement, started out as a concert triptych and sits somewhere between an oratorio and an opera. The intensely dramatic and at times symphonic qualities of Maria Egiziaca are imbued with ancient Italian musical traditions, with two beautiful symphonic interludes separating the three episodes.

This recording is a disc edition from Dynamic label (DYN-38050 [DVD] and 58050 [Blu-ray]).

‘This is a fine performance…under conductor Manlio Benzi, with the outstanding soprano Francesca Dotto in the title role and resonant bass Simone Alberghini.’ – BBC Music Magazine.

‘The entire cast is good. The opera opens with the Sailor’s song (“Giammai non mi conforto”), sung with ingratiating vibrancy by tenor Vincenzo Costanzo, who later appears as a leper. Simone Alberghini is compelling as the Pilgrim and the Abbot Zosimo… and Ilaria Vanacore brings solid tones to the Voice of an Angel and the Blind Woman’ –  American Record Guide

Cast:
- Maria: Francesca Dotto (soprano)
- Pilgrim/Abbot Zosimo: Simone Alberghini (baritone)
- Sailor/Leper: Vincenzo Costanzo (tenor)
- First Companion compagno: Michele Galbiati (tenor)
- Second Companion/Poor Man: Luigi Morassi (tenor)
- Blind Woman/Voice of the Angel: Ilaria Vanacore (soprano)
- Voice from the Sea: William Corrò (bass-baritone)