Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda (3/6)Mary, Queen of Scots

... where the Great Matter –  the question of marriage, along with concerns about an heir to the crown – becomes even more important, and where it becomes clear that the “Scottish threat” is even more complex than previously thought: in addition to being her rival in politics, Mary Stuart of Scotland is also Elizabeth’s rival in love. At first, Elizabeth decides to keep Mary Stuart prisoner. But gradually the Queen realises that keeping Mary Stuart alive poses a great danger to her own existence. Her father’s voice whispers to her that she must not show any sign of weakness...