Libretto by Edward Fitzball (1792-1873) and Alfred Bunn (1796-1860)

WALLACE, W.V.: Maritana 8.660308-09 http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.660308-09

William Vincent Wallace (1812-1865) Maritana (1845)

An opera in three acts Libretto by Edward Fitzball (1792-1873) and Alfred Bunn (1796-1860)

Maritana, a gypsy girl - Majella Cullagh, Soprano Lazarillo, an apprentice boy - Lynda Lee, Mezzo-soprano Don Cæsar de Bazan - Paul Charles Clarke, Tenor Don José de Santarém, minister to the King - Ian Caddy, Baritone Captain of the Guard/Alcade - Damien Smith, Baritone Charles II, King of Spain - Quentin Hayes, Bass Chorus of Soldiers, Gypsies and Populace - RTÉ Philharmonic Choir

CD 1 [5] Chorus Angels that around us hover, [1] Overture Guard us till the close of day; Our heads, oh! let your white wings cover, Act I: A Square in Madrid See us kneel, and hear us pray!

[2] Chorus [6] Maritana Sing, pretty maiden, sing Of fairy wand had I the power, Sing that lovely song again Some palace bright my home should be, Sing, pretty maiden, By marble fount, in orange bower, The thrilling airs of Spain Dancing to music's melody. Sing of love and beauty, Bow'r or tented plain, Don José Sing, sweet Maritana, Those lovely eyes, those ruby lips Sing that song again, Might win a brighter home for thee, Than crystal hall, where Fairy trips [3] Maritana Lightly to echo's minstrelsy It was a knight of princely mien, One blue and golden day, Maritana Came riding thro' the forest green, Of fairy wand had I command, That round his castle lay; At moonlit hour, And there heard he a Gipsy maid In silken bow'r, Her songs of love reveal, To music's note, Like a spirit of light, On air I'd float, She enchanted the Knight, In golden sheen 'Twas a King! And jewels gay, Of pleasure, Queen, I'd laugh and sing, Chorus And dance and play. 'Twas a King! Don José Maritana Those sparkling eyes 'Twas the King of Castile Are brighter prize Than gems that glow Chorus On Kingly brow; Sing, Maritana! No delay, Of those avail, Love's minstrel, Maritana, Ere yet they fade, we will pay, thus we pay For joy will quail, When time o'er shade, [4] Maritana Then laugh while love I hear it again, And beauty aid. 'Tis the harp, 'Tis the harp in the air! Maritana/Don José It hangs on the walls He thinks, as others oft have done, Of the old Moorish halls; My wild fantastic thoughts are vain Tho' none know its minstrel, Are visions all now here, now gone, Or how it came there Like dreams that rise and fade again. Listen! There! 'Tis the harp in the air! Thus woman's heart is ever bought, Fold brightly gleams but in her eyes' Chorus So, by the lamp, the moth is caught, Listen pilgrim list, Burneth its giddy wing, and dies. 'Tis the harpin the air! There! There! There! There!

Don José Lazarillo Think of the splendour the golden glory Oh! forbear, indeed you must, The bright career which waits your future steps, Be this frightful quarrel staid, One round of triumph! If for me your life were lost, ever more would grief upbraid. [7] Captain See, the culprit, Don Caesar Oh! you soon shall bite the dust, Lazarillo Honour's debt is quickly staid, Mercy! Oh! that by a cut and thrust, Dunning creditors were paid! Captain Quick, arrest him! Captain Come, you will not prove the first Lazarillo Braggart whom this blade hath staid; Mercy! Only with a single thrust, Your account is quickly paid. Captain See, the culprit, quick arrest him! Don José Why my orders disobey? Don't forget before you thrust, Holy week who dares invade, Lazarillo Be his quarrel e'er so just, Mercy! By the halter will be paid.

Don Caesar Chorus List, I pray you! See this combat, all now must, If a mere child's poor entreaty Blow for blow, and blade to blade, Fail to move that heart of thine: Happy he who falls who falls the first, If his voice excite no pity, Conquest by the hangman paid. Brother soldier list to mine. [8] Chorus Captain Pretty Gitana, tell us, Come, your duty quickly seek What the fates decree? Shall we happy be? Don Caesar Pretty Gitana, shall I married be? Oh! if 'twere not Holy week! Maritana Captain Yes, the language of the skies Pray'rs and tears won't make me civil! With ease can I impart; But plainer read, in starry eyes, Don Caesar The language of the heart. Gallant Captain! With whom begins the charm?

Captain Chorus Loose my cloak! With me!

Don Caesar Maritana Rage consumes me! Young Soldier, first your palm let me see! I shall choke! Soldier Know, Sir, who I am; Count de Carofa, Willingly Don Caesar de Bazan; Who, in the presence of his Monarch, Maritana Cover'd hath a right to appear. You love a pretty dame? You have insulted me beyond all bearing; Redress I seek. Soldier Hence, to the devil, with the Holy week, That's true. Thus I chastise, thy daring! Maritana Captain You are to blame! A challenge! vengeance! Beware of wooing an old man's wife, Her youth and beauty will cause you strife. Don Caesar A challenge! forward! Chorus Beware of wooing an old man's wife, Chorus Her youth and beauty will cause you strife! A challenge! the Edict! horror! Maritana Who next, pursues the charm?

Chorus Don Caesar Tell me! Well, in the name of the King Since you arrest, I stay; Maritana My sword I thus resign, Good Father, now your palm And now the laws obey, Desist, I pray, Yes I obey. Old Man Cheerfully, Don José Yes, by the name of the King Maritana Swear I, the golden dream, You have a handsome bride Whene'er you wak'st again, Shall on thee brightly beam. Old Man That's true! Alcade Your sword at once resign, Maritana And now the laws obey, Away! Of beauty she's the pride. When weak old dotards to young maids wed, Maritana Young men do sometimes make love instead. Ah! what do my eyes behold? Free the gallant captive, pray; Chorus I tomorrow shall have gold, When weak old dotards to young maids wed, Gladly I'll his ransom pay. Young men do sometimes make love instead. Lazarillo/Chorus Don José Oh! misfortune, for this quarrel, In turn what say you; shall I tell your fortune? Must his life ignobly pay?

Maritana Don José With all my heart. I forewarn'd him, for this quarrel He with life must surely pay. Don José Attend, I pray you. Maritana It is, indeed, a fortune I now impart! Free the gallant captive, pray, To you I promise rank, Gladly I'll his ransom pay, A carriage! A splendid Equipage! And speedy marriage! Don Caesar Gen'rous creature, they'll not hear you; Maritana Ah! more than that, within my hand Maritana I'll with gold his ransom pay; Don José Ah! better than that, within your hand Don Caesar All good angels hover near you, Maritana/Don José All must die of something some day, Almost a sceptre, high command, 'Tis a debt we all must pay. A princely heart a palace home, The mirror'd hall the glit'ring dome. Act II, Scene 1: In a cell in one of Madrid’s prison fortresses

[9] Don Caesar [10] Lazarillo Farewell, my gallant Captain; Alas, those chimes so sweetly stealing, I told you how 'twould be; Gently dulcet to the ear, You'll not forget the lesson due to me. Sound like pity's voice, revealing To the dying, "death is near." Alcade Still he slumbers, how serenely! Stay! In the name of the King I you arrest, Sir. Not a sigh disturbs his rest; Oh! that angels now might waft him Maritana/Lazirillo/Don Caesar/Don José/Alcade To the mansions of the blest, Yes, those chimes, so softly swelling, Maritana As from some holy sphere, 'Midst of this tumult and strife, Sound like hymns of spirits telling Scarce half awake I seem, To the dying "Peace is here," The words that you have said Come! abide with us in heaven, Still paint the golden dream. Here no grief can reach thy breast; Come approving angels wait thee Lazirillo/Chorus In the mansions of the blest. Why, in the name of the King A noble Lord thus stay [11] Don Caesar I/We Don Caesar defend Hither as I came, one poor old man, If he the word but say With silver hair, and teardrops in his eyes, Wept that my life was wasted to a span, And mercy importun'd with bitter cries

Lazarillo [14] Don José Thy Father? In happy moments day by day, The sands of life may pass, Don Caesar In swift but tranquil tide away Frantic were his looks, that poor old man, From time's unerring glass. With silver hair, grief's accents on his tongue, Yet hopes we used as bright to deem, Lost in despair, grief's accents on his tongue, Remembrance will recall, Lost in despair, before the guard he ran, Whose pure and whose unfading beam And held a document, at least, so long! Is dearer than them all. Though anxious eyes upon us gaze, Lazarillo And hearts with fondness beat, His sad petition, thee to guard from ill? Whose smile upon each feature plays, With truthfulness replete Don Caesar Some thoughts none other can replace, It was, alas! An unpaid Tailor's bill! Remembrance will recall, Ha! Ha! Ha! This one eternal dun, Which in the flight of years we trace, Torment of earth, I shall at least outrun. Is dearer than them all.

[12] Don Caesar [15] Don Caesar/Don José/Lazarillo/Maritana/Chorus Turn on, old time, thine hourglass, Health to the Lady, the lovely bride, The sand of life, why stay? Length of years to her be given. Quick! Let the gold grain 'd moments pass, Like this brightly sparkling nectar, 'Tis they all debts must pay; Radiant with the light of heaven! Life on her each bliss bestow, Lazarillo May her hours with joy o'er flow Stay, fleeting Time, thine hourglass, Like this cup of rosy nectar. The tide of life, of stay! May her hours with joy o'er flow! Nor let the golden moments pass, Health to the Lady, the lovely bride, Like worthless sand away. Don Caesar Don Caesar/Lazarillo By this hand so soft and trembling, Of what avail are grief and tears, By those locks so sunny bright; Since life must go? 'Neath that cruel veil dissembling, Quick! let the gold grain'd moments pass Youth and beauty hide their light 'Tis they all debts must pay. Maritana Of what avail are grief and tears, Like the mist upon the mountain, Since life which came must go? So this veil obscures my sight, And brief the longest tide of years, From this bosom palpitating, As waves that ebb and flow Closing ev'ry beam of light.

Don José Maritana/Lazarillo/Don Caesar/ Don José/Chorus Despite, old Time, thine hourglass, Hark! The organ hope inspiring, Turn quickly as it may, Calleth to the hallow'd rite! His sand of life not yet shall pass, If he my wish obey. Ensemble Of life there are full happy years, Maritana If well the die we throw, Ah! what mystery? No escaping! For Mayday smiles and autumn tears I must be a bride tonight! Are waves that ebb and flow. Lazarillo [13] Don Caesar Like a spirit seems to murmur, Yes! Let me like a Soldier fall, No! He shall not die to night! Upon some open plain; This breast expanding for the ball, Don Caesar To blot out ev'ry stain. Ah! what my mystery! no escaping! Brave, manly hearts, confer my doom, I must wed, and die tonight! That gentler ones may tell, Howe'er forgot, unknown my tomb, Don José I like a Soldier fell! I only ask of that proud race, Time is flying, quick, be stirring, Which ends its blaze in me, You must wed, and die tonight! To die, the last, and not disgrace Its ancient chivalry! Chorus Tho' o'er my clay no banner wave, Ah! what hear we? Task revolting! Nor trumpet requiem swell, He, by us, must fall tonight. Enough, they murmur o'er my grave, He like a Soldier fell!

CD 2 Don Caesar But an instant, Act II, Scene 2: A Saloon in the Palace of the Marquis de I implore you just to know who is my wife! Montefiori. Don José [1] Chorus No, it must not be! Oh! What pleasure! the soft guitar, Away! And merry castanet, Beguile the hours, Don Caesar While balmy flowers Her let me see, And sparkling wine, Stay! With eyes that shine, Like wand'ring stars together met, Don José Chase from the heart all Sad regret! Her arrest too, Let true delight each bosom cheer, Alguazils there, Since not a care can enter here. Him to prison, Her that way bear, to the Villa d'Aranjuez, away! [2] Waltz Maritana/Don José/Don Caesar/Chorus [3] King What mystery why thus control? Hear me, gentle Maritana, What horror now awaits my soul! By the magic of they beauty, Hear me, swear, too, fair Gitana, Don José This fond heart beats but for thee. With mystery their steps control; Captive 'neath thy chains delighted, This meeting would distract my soul! Tho' its doom be dark and heavy By a smile of thine requited, Don Caesar Would not, if it could, be free. What mystery must now control? The Mariner in his barque, It tortures, it distracts my soul! When o'er him dim clouds hover, With rapture thro' tempest dark, Chorus Beholds one star above; What mystery doth thus control? Sweet hope then his bosom swells, Not darker clouds, when thunders roll. His ev'ry care seems over, A smile, as from heaven, tells Maritana Of home, delight, and love. Who is he? Ah! let me see [4] Don Caesar I will be free! There is a flow'r that bloometh, When autumn leaves are shed, Don Caesar With the silent moon it weepeth, Her let me see The spring and summer fled. Ah! let me see, The early frost of winter, Ah! let me free, I will be free! Scarce its brow have overcast, Oh! pluck it ere it wither, Don José 'Tis the mem'ry of the past! Away! It wafteth perfume o'er us, No, it must not be! Which few can e'er forget, Of the bright scenes gone before us, Chorus Of sweet, tho' sad regret. What terror dread each heart control! Let no heart brave its power, What consternation fills each soul! By guilty thoughts o'er cast. For then, a poison'd flower Act III: A magnificent apartment in the Villa d’Aranjuez Is the mem'ry of the past. [6] Maritana [5] Don Caesar How dreary to my heart is this gay chamber! That voice! Those crystal mirrors and those marble walls, 'Tis hers, I swear! Add to my gloom, while sweetly sad remembrance With whom I at the altar knelt! The joyful hours of liberty recalls I'll seek my wife. My lonely form reflected as I pass, Seems like a spectre on my steps to wait, Don José Enquiring from the gold enwreathed glass, Caesar! beware! "Can mighty grandeur be thus desolate?"

Don José Ere all thy danger yet be felt, 'Twill cost thy life.

Don José Lo! A criminal before you, Fled from justice, guard with life.

[7] Maritana Don Caesar Scenes that are brightest Unhappy fate! May charm a while, The pardon arriv'd at eight, Hearts which are lightest, And I was shot at seven! And eyes that smile; Yet o'er them, above us, King Tho' nature beam, You, to denounce me, were too late, With none to love us You see I am forgiven! How sad they seem! Words cannot scatter the thoughts we fear, Don Caesar For tho' they flatter, 'Twere useless longer to retain They mock the ear. A title not my own Hopes will still deceive us, With tearful cost, King And when they leave us, Then, Sir, you are not King of Spain? The heart is lost. Don Caesar [8] Don José No, I my dignity forego, So! My courage now regaining, No, I own my title vain Banner waving, trumpet sounding, And doff my borrowed plumes again Nobly daring, my gage maintaining, To cry aloud, Vive King of Spain Forward, heart of Chivalry! So the wounded knight untiring, King/Don Caesar On his gallant steed rebounding, Ha! I can't my grief restrain! At his lady's feet expiring, So very brief has been your reign! Dies for love and Victory. Most high and mighty King of Spain!

[9] Don Caesar Most high and mighty King of Spain! Surely, as thou art Don Ceasar, Yes, I am King of Spain [10] Maritana A stranger here! King Insolent! Thou the King of Spain! Don Caesar I can't my mirth restrain. Is it thus we meet?

Don Caesar Maritana You marvel, Signor, at this hour That voice, We unattended, here are seen, So near a pretty woman's door, Don Caesar That woman too, is not the Queen! Once more we meet! But Kings, you know, like other men 'Tis Maritana! Sometimes a little thus give way, Kings are but mortal, Maritana Don Caesar, Yes, Maritana. Of course, you'll not your King betray? Don Caesar King Oh, Maritana! Wild wood flow'r, Of course! Did they but give thee a prouder name, To place thee in a kingly bower, Don Caesar And deck thee with a gilded shame! Don Caesar, now, I remember well, A witty, brawling, mad-brain'd sot! Maritana Beneath his weapon 'twas that fell, No, Maritana, though in this bow'r the Captain of the guard, was not? Lips the most pure, shall never blame; Be kind enough to make it clear, A captive in a stranger's power, If shot, as order'd t'other day; Shall perish ere she yield to shame! And being dead, how came you here? Of course, I shall not you betray. But who art thou, my conduct thus to scan?

King Don Caesar Of course! I am thy Husband, Don Caesar de Bazan! But Sire, your memory is short; Maritana/Don Caesar Don Caesar My/Thy Husband! What forget we? Yes, yes he is the man' yes, my Husband, Nevermore to part, King Thine forever, is this faithful heart A most important thing Don Caesar at eight o'clock receiv'd The pardon of the King!

Maritana But first to prove it? Dost thou remember those words which at the altar thou said'st to me?

Don Caesar Yes, yes I'll prove it, I said "Remember, The rest of my existence I devote to thee!"

Maritana Yes, yes of joy! 'Tis he!

Don Caesar Thy Husband

Maritana My Husband!

Maritana/Don Caesar Yes, Mine!/Yes, Thine!

Maritana This heart, with joy o'er flowing Like nectar sparkling wine, In sunlit crystal glowing, Seems inspir'd by rays divine.

Don Caesar This joy my heart o'er flowing, Like nectar sparkling wine Sweet magic round me throwing, Wakes in ecstasy divine.

[11] Maritana/Lazarillo Sainted Mother, guide his footsteps, Guide them at a moment sure; Let the wicked heart then perish, And the good remain secure, Sainted Mother, oh, befriend him, And thy gentlest pity lend him!

[12] Maritana With rapture glowing, Bounds this heart o'er flowing, With rapture glowing, Kind friends around approve. Hence with sadness, welcome gladness, Love and treasure, welcome pleasure, Welcome joy and peace, Welcome joy and love.

Chorus Viva, Maritana! May thy name be great in story, May thy fame be bright in glory, Maritana! Viva!