Even if he still sounds like a tenor singing in his lower range rather than a true baritone, Doming’s Artistic commitment remains exceptional, and vocally this is a remarkable achievement at 75. The other main participants are also honourable…Mariotti’s dynamism certainly keeps the score effectively on the move.

The role, as well as being age-appropriate, seems to sit very well for Domingo’s voice…Pirozzi is a terrific Lucrezia. The voice is bright and fearless…Mariotti’s conducting – an expertly judged mixture of grandeur and fire – strikes me as no less impressive than Antonio Pappano’s.

In a cast of first-rate singers, the star is obviously Plácido Domingo as the Doge, displaying his indisputable stage presence and acting skills, along with a voice that meets the composer's requirements. Francesco Meli excels as his unfortunate son Jacopo: his is a beautifully lyrical, mellow tenor, confident and comfortable in the persistently required higher register. Carefully designed period costumes and well-regulated lighting produce beautiful results, as do the elegantly simple sets -mostly mobile panels allowing fluid scene changes.