Known primarily as a prolific opera composer, Gaetano Donizetti also wrote nearly 300 songs, which were destined for intimate gatherings of friends, professionals and wealthy amateurs. Though he was seemingly blasé about his songs, they contain much of interest. Donizetti composed an unfinished Requiem for his friend and compatriot Bellini in 1835. The following year he completed the Lamento per la morte di V. Bellini and dedicated it to the Spanish mezzo-soprano Maria Malibran, who died in September 1836. An album featuring 17 of Donizetti’s songs is available on 8.574485.