For the label's fifth opera recording, Gergiev conducts Donizetti's masterpiece featuring a magnificent cast led by coloratura soprano Natalie Dessay.

Donizetti's tragic opera in three acts depicts a family feud set in the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland. The opera was premiered on 26th September 1835 at the Teatro di San Carlo, Naples, with the coloratura soprano Fanny Tacchinardi Persiani in the role of Lucia. A revised version in French followed suit in 1839.

Inspired by Sir Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermoor, the central character of Lucia Ashton (Dessay) is in love with Edgardo di Ravenswood, her brother Enrico's sworn enemy. With his fortune waning, Lord Enrico plots to force Lucia to marry Lord Arturo Bucklaw, in order to guarantee his continued power. Torn between her family and true love, Lucia submits to her brother's desires but in turn loses her mind. Lucia's delicate disposition is tested and results in the famous 'mad scene' in which she kills her new bridegroom Arturo.