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CHAN 3027(2) CHANDOS O PERA I N ENGLISH The Elixir of Love The Elixir

David Parry

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Zoë Dominic Zoë Sir Geraint Evans 16 February 1922 – 19 September 1992

This recording is dedicated to the memory of Geraint Evans, the great Welsh and an early protégé of Peter Moores.

Geraint made his debut at House, Covent Garden in 1948 and was one of the first amongst British artists to sing abroad after the Second World War. During an international career spanning thirty-six years and more than seventy different roles he not only endeared himself to audiences world-wide through his inimitable artistry, but also ensured that managements were alerted to the talents of other British artists: many were to owe the beginning of their careers in the USA to his influence.

He made his farewell to the British operatic stage on 4 June 1984, at Covent Garden. Typically, he chose to do so in the role of Dr Dulcamara so that he could share his gratitude for the laughter and tears he had found in the ‘love potion’ of opera, the dispensing of which had brought him and others so much pleasure throughout his career.

The knighthood Geraint Evans received in 1969 was the first to be accorded to a singer while still performing, since that conferred on the English baritone Sir Charles Santley in 1907.

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Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) The Elixir of Love

Opera in two acts by after Eugène Scribe’s Le Philtre

AKG English version by Arthur Jacobs

Nemorino, a young peasant...... Barry Banks , the wealthy owner of a farm...... Mary Plazas soprano Belcore, a sergeant in the army...... Ashley Holland baritone Dr Dulcamara, a quack doctor...... Andrew Shore baritone Giannetta, a peasant girl...... Helen Williams soprano

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir Philharmonia Orchestra Gareth Hancock assistant conductor

The four main characters are sung by the artists who took these roles in the English National Opera’s new production of The Elixir of Love, first given on 26 January 1998. Coincidentally, three of them, Mary Plazas, Barry Banks and Ashley Holland, are former Peter Moores Foundation Scholarship winners.

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COMPACT DISC ONE Time Page COMPACT DISC ONE Time Page Act I No. 2: Scene and Duet 10 No. 1: Prelude and Introduction [p. 54] ‘The same old tedious passion!’ 1:29 [66] Adina, Nemorino 1 Prelude 2:39 [62] 11 ‘For example, ask the breezes’ 3:33 [67] 2 ‘After long and heavy labour’ 2:09 [62] Giannetta, Harvesters Adina, Nemorino 12 ‘Such affection is but folly’ 3:25 [68] 3 ‘How delightful, how enchanting!’ 3:37 [62] Nemorino, Giannetta, Harvesters Adina, Nemorino 4 ‘That’s a really happy ending’ 0:31 [62] Adina, Giannetta, Harvesters, Nemorino No. 3: Chorus and Cavatina 13 ‘What’s the meaning of that kind of fanfare?’ 1:46 [69] 5 ‘“Lovely was Queen Isolda”’ 3:53 [63] Adina, Nemorino, Giannetta, Harvesters Villagers 14 ‘Attention! Attention!’ 7:53 [69] 6 Marziale 1:24 [64] Dulcamara, Villagers 7 ‘To the one who shines in beauty’ 3:38 [64] 15 Belcore, Adina, Giannetta, Harvesters, Nemorino ‘Have courage!’ 0:44 [72] Nemorino, Dulcamara 8 ‘If you love me as I love you’ 4:30 [64] Belcore, Adina, Nemorino, Giannetta, Harvesters No. 4: Duet 9 ‘Too soon, my lovely creature’ 0:44 [66] 16 ‘It was Tristan who employed it’ 7:37 [72] Belcore, Adina Nemorino, Dulcamara

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COMPACT DISC ONE Time Page COMPACT DISC TWO Time Page No. 5: Finale I 17 ‘Magical potion! I have you!’ 1:36 [75] Act II Nemorino No. 6: Introductory Chorus [p. 57] 18 ‘Who is that madman?’ 0:59 [75] 1 ‘Sing up, then.’ 2:27 [85] Adina, Nemorino Belcore, Dulcamara, Giannetta, Villagers, Adina 19 ‘Trallarallara’ 1:04 [76] 2 ‘Since singing is your pleasure’ 1:10 [85] Nemorino, Adina Dulcamara, Belcore, Giannetta, Villagers 20 ‘Oh, let her laugh and mock at me’ 5:34 [76] 3 ‘I am rich and you are pretty’ 2:27 [85] Nemorino, Adina Dulcamara, Adina, Villagers 21 ‘Tran, tran, tran, tran’ 2:00 [78] 4 ‘Pray silence!’ 1:57 [86] Belcore, Adina, Nemorino Belcore, Villagers, Dulcamara, Adina, Giannetta 22 ‘Ha, ha! Of course, that’s quite all right’ 1:24 [79] 5 ‘I always like a wedding’ 1:52 [87] Nemorino, Belcore, Adina Dulcamara, Nemorino 23 ‘One moment, sergeant!’ 3:04 [80] Giannetta, Belcore, Soldiers, Villagers, Nemorino, Adina No. 7: Scene and Duet 24 ‘Adina, think again’ 4:52 [82] 6 ‘Is that not like a woman’ 1:13 [88] Nemorino, Belcore, Adina, Giannetta, Villagers, Soldiers Belcore, Nemorino 25 ‘Today’s our wedding’ 3:11 [83] 7 ‘Twenty florins!’ 4:42 [89] Adina, Nemorino, Giannetta, Belcore, Villagers, Soldiers Nemorino, Belcore TT 73:20 [57] 8 ‘Shake my hand, then, my young shaver’ 3:29 [90] Belcore, Nemorino

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COMPACT DISC ONE Time Page COMPACT DISC ONE Time Page No. 8: Chorus No. 11: Romance 9 ‘Can it be possible?’ 4:20 [90] 16 ‘Only one teardrop glistened there’ 5:13 1 [99] Village Women, Giannetta Nemorino

No. 9: Quartet No. 12: Recitative 10 ‘I’ve polished off two bottles now’ 1:39 [92] 17 ‘Here she is.’ 1:36 [100] Nemorino, Village Women, Giannetta, Adina, Dulcamara Nemorino, Adina 11 ‘It’s magnificent!’ 2:27 [93] 18 ‘Take it!’ 3:46 [100] Nemorino, Adina, Dulcamara, Giannetta, Villagers Adina, Nemorino 12 ‘I see it perfectly’ 3:11 [95] 19 ‘All right. Take this, then!’ 4:20 [101] Nemorino, Adina, Dulcamara, Giannetta, Villagers Nemorino, Adina 13 ‘Why should he seem so happy?’ 1:31 [96] Adina, Dulcamara No. 13: Finale II 20 ‘Halt! Right turn!’ 1:58 [102] No. 10: Duet Belcore, Adina, Dulcamara, Nemorino, Villagers, Giannetta 14 ‘How he loved me!’ 4:20 [96] 21 ‘It will give you cheeks likes peaches’ 2:38 [103] Adina, Dulcamara Dulcamara, Villagers, Adina, Nemorino, Belcore 15 ‘With a look of love and laughter’ 2:49 [98] TT 59:15 [183] Adina, Dulcamara

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up my works or anybody else’s. Just wait and much more than comic ciphers and lends the Donizetti: The Elixir of Love see what I can do in fourteen days! I give you work its individuality and emotional feeling. my word I’ll do it if Romani will help me’. Actually, Romani opposed the addition of This conversation is related by a Nemorino’s romanza. According to his widow, Once graphically described as ’s in , at , Ugo, conte di Parigi, contemporary witness, Romani’s future wife the librettist said, ‘What’s the point of that country cousin, L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of which had flopped, but even that did not Emilia Branca, a young girl at the time, whose rustic bumpkin whining pathetically, when Love), which preceded Pasquale by eleven affect the composer’s new-found fame. So family was friendly with the composer. She everything ought to be festive and gay?’ But the years, has won all hearts since it was first when he was approached by Alessandro Lanari, claimed that Donizetti and Romani had agreed composer won over his disapproving partner, produced at the Teatro della Canobbiana in impresario of the Canobbiana, L’elisir was to accept Lanari’s demand to complete the who provided the singularly appropriate lines. Milan in 1832, and no wonder given its the result. Opera in two weeks. Branca may well have Apparently Donizetti was not willing to succession of surefire arias and ensembles – not This delightful comedy stood apart from the been wrong in her later memory of what sacrifice the good life entirely to the a dud among them – and four roles in which operatic ethos of the day which preferred gory happened; it is probable that the commission composition of the new work, even though singing actors can excel. A contemporary critic melodrama to comedy. To be sure, Donizetti gave the authors rather more time than she time was so short. One day, however, when he wrote after the premiere, ‘The style of this was adept at that kind of fare, viz Lucia di would allow, perhaps a month. was due for supper at the Brancas’ house, he score is vital and brilliant. The shading from Lammermoor, but he was also alive to the There was no question in those days of rushed in late. ‘Forgive me,’ he cried, ‘I was on buffo to serio is subtly graduated and the tradition of opera buffa, and the work in that creating an original story: you simply adapted the way here when I went past Romani’s house emotions are expressed with great passion… field of his great predecessor, Rossini, and he an existing book. After much genial discussion and stopped to see if he could give me some It reveals a great master at work whose loved nothing more than writing, for fun, his the authors alighted on Eugène Scribe’s Le text. In fact he handed me a whole duet. On orchestration is always relevant to the own comic texts. He was also accomplished at Philtre (The love potion) and embellished it to reading the verses I simply had to set them to situation… To praise the composer more working fast and to order. He needed to be in advantage. Romani cut Scribe’s text (written for music on the spot so inspired was I by them… lavishly would be unfair to the opera; his work the case of L’elisir because the commission an opera by Auber) and added material of his Tonight before going to bed I’ll orchestrate needs no exaggerated compliments’. from the Canobbiana came at the last moment own. The French names were changed into them, send them to the copyist tomorrow who Perhaps this reflects the fact that at the time when another commission fell through. Italian, and the setting was moved from a will then give them to the singers… Everything of the work’s composition, Donizetti was a Donizetti called on Felice Romani, who had Basque village to an Italian village. Altogether is moving at full steam.’ happy man. At thirty-four he had already worked with him on Bolena and Ugo, to Romani turned the conventionality of Scribe’s Later that evening, that very passage, the completed thirty-nine operas and had achieved provide a libretto. In the first place Lanari had book into a subtler, more romantic text. The duet ‘Chiedi all’aura lusinghiera’ (For example, fame with the composition of suggested that Donizetti merely revise an old added sentiment, as in Nemorino’s famous ask the breezes) was sung by Donizetti at the two years earlier, which had placed him on a work, possibly one unknown to the Milanese. romanza ‘Una furtiva lagrima’, was very much piano, Emilia Branca recalling that he could par with his contemporary and rival, Bellini. Donizetti was furious and countered, ‘Are you to Donizetti’s taste: it is this elegiac element in sing pleasantly. She added, ‘He played very In March 1832 he had presented a new work making fun of me? It’s not my custom to patch Donizetti’s writing which makes his characters well. He was handsome: tall, slender, his broad 12 13 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 14

forehead crowned with black curls, his features manner in his recitative and aria, ‘Udite, udite, off against the potency of Adina’s feelings for of a goat and a French basso who has little to regular… His look was good-natured, frank o rustici’ (Attention! Attention! You country Nemorino as she says a glance, a smile and a offer, and yet we must honour them. Courage, and open. He was above all simpatico and the folk!), in which he tries to purvey his tender gesture will be the strongest potion of dear Romani, keep up your spirits’. In fact the fair sex was devoted to him’. medicines and cures in one of the most all: the allegro section of this duet is one of the occasion proved a triumph and the work had The action of the Opera takes place within extended and most engaging patter arias in all score’s most exhilarating passages. to be repeated 32 times after the the context of village life, admirably depicted opera buffa, a veritable torrent of words. Here, In the final solos for hero and heroine the first night. Later that year Ricordi, in preparing in the bluster of Sergeant Belcore and the as throughout, the chorus is integrated into the composer touches the heart. There’s genuine the score for publication, asked Donizetti quick wit of the fast-talking Dr Dulcamara, musical action, nowhere more so than when pathos in ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ (Only one for a dedication. He wrote back, ‘Since you not to forget the lively contribution of the the girls, discovering Nemorino’s new found teardrop), with its elegiac bassoon obbligato, a kindly leave me the choice of dedication for peasants themselves, who are made very much wealth, chase after him, though he thinks it is romanza with a subtle minor-major melody. The Elixir of Love I am very grateful. Let it be to partake in the emotions of the moment. the elixir at work: ‘Dell’ elisir mirabile’ (I’ve No wonder it has become one of the best-loved To the Fair Sex of Milan. Who knows better The piece is felicitously constructed. In a polished off two bottles now). arias in all Italian opera, often sung separately. how to distil it? Who knows better how to natural sequence Donizetti introduces three of For the rest, until the aria for Nemorino When Adina enters, she tells him touchingly bestow it?’ his four principals. Nemorino is at once near the end, Donizetti develops the plot as a that she has bought back his recruitment Whatever the merits of the premiere, the characterised in his short cavatina, ‘Quanto è series of charming and/or spirited duets and papers and hands them to him as she sings work was soon taken up in many houses. bella!’ (How delightful) in which his longing ensembles. Flowing, melodious lines, such as ‘Prendi, per me sei libero’ (Take it. I make you It was first given in London at the Lyceum for his beloved but seemingly unobtainable Adina’s aforementioned ‘Chiedi all’aura free again), a sensuous, long-breathed melody Theatre in 1836 and the following year entered Adina is sweetly expressed, as is his lusinghiera’, in which she gently tells him she is which markedly contrasts with her earlier, the repertory of Her Majesty’s. None of the fundamentally shy nature (something fickle like the gentle breezes always in motion, brittle music. participants at the initial performance is taking the part love to exploit). This forms part are often contrasted with sharply-accented So the Opera seemed destined for success remembered today, but The Times commented, of the choral introduction. On the other side passages or, as in the Act 1 Finale, the action is from its inauguration, but Donizetti didn’t ‘On the whole there was sufficient to of the stage Adina is heard laughing over the held up to allow Nemorino a solo, ‘Adina, hold out too much hope for such a success at constitute a delightful evening’s entertainment: tale she is reading: the story of Tristan and credimi’ (Adina, think again), in which he the premiere because he had severe reservations the plot was good, the music pleasing, the Isolda and its love potion, which she proceeds appeals to his loved one to believe in his true about the available cast: Sabine Heinefetter as singing everything that could be desired and to read aloud from. Her teasing nature is thus love and wait a day before she weds Belcore. Adina, Giambattista Genero as Nemorino, the band excellent’. The ambitious Irish singer- adumbrated. Nemorino and Belcore are given cleverly Henri-Bernard Dabade (who had created the composer Michael Balfe conducted (in place of A march brings on the ridiculous Belcore differentiated modes of expression in the role of ) as Belcore and Giuseppe Benedict) but The Morning Post wished Balfe whose cavatina effectively delineates his recruiting duet ‘Venti scudi’ (Twenty florins). Frezzolini as Dulcamara. He commented to his had been singing rather than conducting. The preening character. A deal later the quack In the encounter for Adina and Dulcamara the collaborator, ‘We have a German prima donna, paper added that the house was tolerably filled, Dulcamara is described in an equally unerring potency of the imagined elixir is perfectly set a tenor who stammers, a buffo with the voice the audience not brilliant and fashionable as at 14 15 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 16

the King’s: ‘We greatly question whether the Synopsis doctor Dulcamara arrives and details the Act II love of Italian music is sufficiently advanced in astounding curative properties of his potions Wedding banquet inside Adina’s farmhouse this country to make this experiment Act I and elixirs to an attentive crowd, who buy a At the banquet to celebrate the marriage of successful.’ The Lyceum was then known as Entrance to Adina’s farm few and then disperse. Nemorino asks Adina and Belcore, Dulcamara sings a The English Opera House, hence that comment. It is harvest time and on a local farm Giannetta Dulcamara for Tristan’s love potion, which barcarolle with Adina which tells of a girl who The work was first given in New York, in and her fellow harvesters are resting, sheltering Dulcamara quickly sells to him. Dulcamara rejects a wealthy suitor in order to marry her English (as it is, of course, here), in 1838, and from the midday sun. Nemorino, a young tells Nemorino the potion takes twenty-four true love, a young gondolier. The notary first performed in at the Théâtre Italien – peasant, is hopelessly in love with Adina, the hours to work. This gives the doctor time to arrives and everyone retires to witness the to immense delight – in 1839. Throughout the wealthy owner of the farm. Adina reads to the leave the village before his deception can be drawing up of the marriage contract; nineteenth century it attracted the most harvesters the story of Tristan, who vainly discovered: the elixir is nothing more than a Dulcamara, however, stays to indulge his love glamorous casts, including Fanny Persiani as pursued the Queen Isolda. He won her love by bottle of cheap wine. of food. Adina, Mario as Nemorino, Antonio Tamburini drinking a magic love potion, which made him Nemorino drinks the wine, rapidly Nemorino has seen the notary arrive. as Belcore and Luigi Lablache as Dulcamara, irresistible. becoming tipsy. He treats Adina indifferently Although he has no more money left he begs which became one of his most famous roles. He Belcore, a recruiting sergeant arrives with his while confidently waiting for the elixir to Dulcamara for more of the elixir. Dulcamara and Mario appeared in a legendary staging in platoon. He courts Adina and promptly asks take effect on her. Adina is surprised and demands cash and tells Nemorino he will be London in the late 1840s of which there is a for her hand in marriage, much to Nemorino’s piqued to see Nemorino so indifferent to leaving the village in fifteen minutes’ time. famous print. At La Scala in 1900 Toscanini despair. Adina, however, does not immediately her and when Belcore continues his wooing Belcore appears and proposes that Nemorino’s conducted the piece with Caruso making his accept: he has not yet earned her love. Adina she accepts without delay, saying she will problems can be easily solved: join his name in the house as Nemorino, his various invites Belcore and his platoon to taste the local marry him in six days’ time. Nemorino laughs regiment and receive twenty florins. Belcore recordings of ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ being among wine and the harvesters return to work. at their plans, confident the elixir will describes the wonderful life of a soldier and the glories of the gramophone’s early days. He Nemorino calls Adina back and speaks of his guarantee Adina’s love the next morning. New Nemorino, desperate, signs up and rushes off later conquered the Metropolitan in the part burning passion for her, but she tells him such orders arrive for Belcore: he must leave the to find Dulcamara. and has been followed there by such noted affection is folly. Instead he should go to town village tomorrow. Adina, now furious at tenors as Schipa, Gigli, Tagliavini, Pavarotti and look after his rich and ailing uncle. Besides, Nemorino’s reaction to her plans, moves the Outside in the farm yard (who made Nemorino very much his own) and she herself is fickle, her mind changes with marriage forward to that very evening. Giannetta and the village womenfolk have Domingo. Zeffirelli staged the opera every hour. Nevertheless Nemorino vows to Nemorino pleads with Adina to wait until learnt that, unbeknownst to Nemorino, his unforgettably at Glyndebourne in the 1960s love her until he dies. morning, but to no avail. Adina invites uncle has died leaving him a fortune. with Eugenia Ratti, later Freni, as Adina and everyone to her marriage feast and all mock Nemorino appears and the women crowd Luigi Alva as Nemorino. The village square Nemorino, who fears his plans are to be round and pay court to him. He thinks the © 1999 Alan Blyth Later, in the village square, the travelling quack undone. elixir at last is taking effect. Adina and 16 17 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 18

Dulcamara enter, both amazed at the attention and Dulcamara drives off to cheering and Studio, and won the 1991 Kathleen Ferrier competition at the Hamburg State Opera. Nemorino is receiving. Dulcamara believes his jubilation. Memorial Scholarship. She made her debut as He is currently a principal baritone at potion is indeed magic and Adina admits to the Heavenly Voice in Don Carlos for English English National Opera where his roles have herself her fondness for Nemorino. Giannetta © 1999 Chandos Records Ltd National Opera and from 1995 to 1998 was an included Belcore, Lescaut (Manon), Zurga and the women beg Nemorino to dance with ENO Company Principal. Her roles have (The Pearl Fishers), Sharpless (Madam them while Adina tries to tell him enlisting is a A graduate of the Royal Northern College of included the title role in The Cunning Little Butterfly), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) and mistake; before they can speak further, Music where he was a Peter Moores scholar, Vixen, Adina, Mimì, Leila, Nannetta, Cecil (Mary Stuart). Other appearances include Giannetta and the women drag Nemorino off. Barry Banks has established himself as one Michaela, Marzelline () and Susanna, for Calgary Opera, Bosun Dulcamara tells Adina how Nemorino of the finest tenors of his generation. and she has performed with the Royal Opera () for Opéra national de Paris- purchased the elixir to win her heart. Adina Appearances include Nemorino (The Elixir of Covent Garden, , Opera Bastille and Antonio in concert performances realises how cruel she has been and that she Love) for English National Opera, the title role North, Glyndebourne Touring Opera and of Linda di Chamounix. loves Nemorino. Dulcamara offers her a potion in for Glyndebourne Touring Garsington Opera amongst others. Recent to help attract him, but she prefers to use her Opera, the title role in Candide for Chicago appearances include The Rake’s Progress with Andrew Shore is acknowledged as Britain’s seductive charm. Nemorino returns seeking Lyric Opera, Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor) New Israeli Opera in Tel Aviv, Flight for premier buffo baritone. He has worked for all Adina: when he was flirting with the village for , Tamino Glyndebourne and Glyndebourne Touring the major British companies, including English women, he spied a furtive tear in her eye; she (Die Zauberflöte) at the Salzburg Festival, Opera and Powder Her Face for Almeida National Opera, the Royal Opera Covent must love him. When Adina appears Nemorino La Monnaie and for Leipzig Opera, Opera. Television appearances include Opera Garden, Opera North, Glyndebourne Festival acts indifferently to her. She tells him she has Glyndebourne Touring Opera and Scottish Factory’s Le nozze di Figaro, and First Opera, Scottish Opera and Welsh National bought him out of his contract of enlistment. Opera, Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) and Argirio Enchantress (Dido and Aeneas), also for Opera, as well as appearing abroad with San As she turns to leave he asks her if she has () for Frankfurt Opera and Tom Chandos. Recordings include Pacini’s Maria, Diego Opera, New Israeli Opera, the Opéra nothing else to say. When she answers no, he Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress) for the regina d’Inghilterra for Opera Rara, L’Enfant et national de Paris-Bastille and Opéra comique, angrily responds that he will join the army Metropolitan Opera and the BBC’s Stravinsky les sortilèges, and Marguerite (Faust) (for and in Nantes, Montpellier, Amsterdam, anyway. Adina breaks down and admits she Festival. Recordings include La bohème, Chandos/Peter Moores Foundation). Vancouver and Ottawa. His many does love him and will always be his. Un ballo in maschera and La calisto, and engagements have included the title roles of Dulcamara, Belcore and the villagers return. Don Pasquale (for Chandos/Peter Moores Ashley Holland studied at Warwick University , , King Priam, Gianni Schicchi, Belcore accepts the fact that he is losing Adina. Foundation). and the Royal Northern College of Music, Don Pasquale, as well as Dulcamara (The Elixir Dulcamara tells everyone of Nemorino’s where he won the Webster Booth/Esso of Love), Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte) and inheritance and claims that his magic potion Mary Plazas studied at the Royal Northern Competition and the Curtis Gold Medal, and Varlaam (Boris Godunov). His recordings not only brings love but also wealth. Villagers College of Music, where she was a Peter was a Peter Moores scholar. Recently he also include The Makropulos Affair, and Don buy up the remaining bottles of cheap wine Moores scholar, and the National Opera won the prestigious RANIERI I Cestelli opera Pasquale, , and La 18 19 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 20

bohème (for Chandos/Peter Moores forming a hand-picked orchestra of world-class and early nineteenth-century Italian opera Sweden where he conducted an acclaimed Foundation). standing. The Philharmonia Orchestra gave its to Janácˇek, Britten and contemporary music. production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s first concert under Sir Thomas Beecham in In England he has appeared regularly at Dream. Helen Williams studied at the Royal Northern October 1945 and rapidly became recognised English National Opera and in concert with Outside Europe David Parry has appeared at College of Music and made her Glyndebourne as one of the world’s truly great orchestras. the Philharmonia. In 1996 he made his debut the Hong Kong International Festival, with the Festival debut as Sashka (The Electrification of Many world-famous conductors have been at the Glyndebourne Festival with Così fan UNAM Symphony Orchestra at Mexico City, the Soviet Union). Other roles include Emmie associated with it and it remains the world’s tutte. with a tour of Carmen in Japan and, in 1996, (Albert Herring) for Glyndebourne Festival most recorded orchestra, with a discography of He is a frequent visitor to where he conducting a new production of Kát’a Opera’s tour to Rome, Dalinda (Ariodante) and over one thousand recordings including operas has appeared with most of the opera Kabanová for the New Zealand Festival. Amor (Orpheus and Eurydice) with English for the Peter Moores Foundation/Opera Rara. companies and symphony orchestras. He gave He has recorded extensively for the Opera National Opera, Yvette (La rondine) with the The Philharmonia’s position as ‘London’s the Spanish premiere of in Rara label, the most recent issue being Royal Opera and the world premiere of Hey leading orchestra’ stems from its vitality, Madrid, and in 1996 he conducted the first Donizetti’s Rosmonda d’Inghilterra, which won Persephone! at Aldeburgh and the Almeida festival. unique warmth of sound and commitment to Spanish production of The Rake’s Progress, the Prix Cecilia in Belgium, and for Chandos commissioning and performing music by inaugurated two new concert halls with he has conducted the award-winning recording Geoffrey Mitchell’s singing career encompassed leading contemporary composers such as the Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and a new opera of Tosca, three recordings of operatic arias a remarkably wide repertoire from early to late Witold Lutoslawski, Sir Harrison house with Carmen. He has also appeared in (with Bruce Ford, Diana Montague and contemporary music. This resulted in Birtwistle and the Orchestra’s visiting , where he conducted Dennis O’Neill), Faust, Don Pasquale, La conducting invitations from the BBC and composer, James MacMillan. in the at Pesaro, in bohème, Cavalleria rusticana, and subsequently to a wider involvement with his , , Belgium, Holland, and in highlights from Der Rosenkavalier. own singers and this led to the establishment David Parry studied with Sergiu Celibidache of the Geoffrey Mitchell Choir. Early and began his career as Sir John Pritchard’s recordings resulted in the choir’s long-term assistant. He made his debut with English involvement with Opera Rara for whom they Music Theatre and went on to become a staff have recorded fifteen operas, and they are conductor at Städtische Bühnen Dortmund currently enjoying a growing reputation with and at Opera North. He was Music Director of further work from the BBC and international Opera 80 from 1983 to 1987, and since 1992 recording companies. has been the founding Music Director of the contemporary opera festival Almeida Opera. When he formed the Philharmonia Orchestra He pursues a busy career both in opera and realised his great ambition of in concert. His repertoire extends from Mozart 20 21 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 22

Whilst still in his early twenties, Peter Moores had started giving financial support to various PETER MOORES, CBE, DL young artists, several of whom – , and the late Geraint Evans Peter Moores was born in Lancashire, the son of Sir John Moores, founder of the giant amongst them – were to become world-famous. In 1964 he set aside a substantial part of his Littlewoods mail order, chain store and football pools group. He was educated at Eton and inheritance to establish the Peter Moores Foundation, a charity designed to support those causes Christ Church, Oxford, where he read modern languages – he was already fluent in German dear to his heart: to make music and the arts more accessible to more people; to give and Italian. It was opera, however, which was his great love. He had worked at Glyndebourne encouragement to the young and to improve race relations. Festival Opera before going up to university, and after Oxford he became a production student at the State Opera, combining this with a three-year course at the Vienna PETER MOORES FOUNDATION Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. In the field of music, the main areas supported by the Peter Moores Foundation are: By the end of his third year at the Academy Moores had produced the Vienna premiere of the recording of operas from the core repertory sung in English translation; the recording or Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, had worked as Assistant Producer at the San Carlo Opera House, staging of rare Italian opera from the bel canto era of the early nineteenth century (repertoire Naples, the Geneva Festival and Rome Opera, and seemed set for a successful operatic career. which would otherwise only be accessible to scholars); the nurturing of promising young At this point he received a letter from his father asking him to come home as he was needed in opera singers; new operatic work. the firm. Family loyalty being paramount, he returned to Liverpool. The Foundation awards scholarships annually to students and post-graduates for furthering By 1977, he was Chairman of Littlewoods. Three years later their vocal studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. In addition, project awards may be he stepped down from the post, although still remaining on the given to facilitate language tuition in the appropriate country, attendance at masterclasses or Board. He was a director of a merchant bank from 1978 to summer courses, specialised repertoire study with an acknowledged expert in the field, or 1992. From 1981 to 1983 he was a Governor of the BBC, and a post-graduate performance training. Trustee of the Tate Gallery from 1978 until 1985; from 1988 to The Foundation encourages new operatic work by contributing to recordings, the publication 1992 he was a director of Scottish Opera. He received the Gold Christina Burton/PMF of scores and stage productions. Medal of the Italian Republic in 1974, an Honorary MA from Since 1964 the Foundation has supported the recording of more than forty operas, many of Christ Church, Oxford, in 1975, and was made an Honorary these sung in English, in translation. It has always been Peter Moores’s belief that to enjoy opera Member of the Royal Northern College of Music in 1985. In to the full, there must be no language barrier, particularly for newcomers and particularly in the May 1992 he became Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, and in popular repertoire – hence the Opera in English series launched with Chandos in 1995. This the New Year’s Honours List for 1991, he was made a CBE for includes many of the English language recordings funded by the Foundation in the 1970s and his charitable services to the Arts. Peter Moores, CBE, DL 1980s and is now the largest recorded collection of operas sung in English.

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dem er an Bolena und Ugo zusammengearbeitet Verfasser auf Le Philtre von Eugène Scribe. Ihre Donizetti: Der Liebestrank hatte, ein Libretto zu verfassen. Zunächst hatte Beiträge waren nur von Vorteil: Romani kürzte Lanari dem Komponisten vorgeschlagen, den Text von Scribe (der für eine Oper von einfach ein älteres Werk zu überarbeiten, Auber verfaßt worden war) und fügte eigenes Die einmal sehr treffend als “Don Pasquales Ruhm erlangt, der ihn mit seinem vielleicht eines, das in Mailand unbekannt war. Material hinzu. Die französischen Namen Vetter vom Lande” beschriebene und um elf Zeitgenossen und Rivalen Vinzenzo Bellini Donizetti erwiderte entrüstet: “Machen Sie sich wurden gegen italienische ausgetauscht, und als Jahre ältere Oper L’elisir d’amore hat seit ihrer gleichsetzte. Im März 1832 hatte Donizetti an über mich lustig? Ich bin es nicht gewohnt, Handlungsort diente statt eines baskischen nun Uraufführung 1832 am Teatro della der Mailänder Scala sein neues Werk Ugo, meine Werke oder die anderer zusammen- ein italienisches Dorf. Alles in allem gelang es Canobbiana in Mailand alle Herzen erobert. conte di Parigi vorgestellt; obwohl es durchfiel, zuflicken. Warten Sie nur, Sie werden schon Romani, aus der konventionellen Vorlage Verwunderlich ist dies nicht, wenn man an die tat dies dem Renommee des Komponisten sehen, was ich in vierzehn Tagen zustande Scribes einen subtileren, romantischeren Text vielen großartigen, durchweg begeisternden keinen Abbruch, und als er von Alessandro bringen kann. Ich gebe Ihnen mein Wort: Ich zu schaffen. Die größere Gefühlsbetontheit, Arien und Ensemblelieder und die vier Lanari, dem Impresario des Teatro della schaffe es, wenn mir Romani nur hilft”. wie in Nemorinos berühmter Romanze “Una bravourösen Hauptrollen für Schauspieler mit Canobbiana, angesprochen wurde, war L’elisir Dieses Gespräch wurde aus erster Hand furtiva lagrima”, entsprach sehr dem Gesangstalent denkt. Nach der Premiere das Ergebnis. weitergegeben – von Emilia Branca, der Geschmack Donizettis; gerade durch dieses schrieb ein zeitgenössischer Kritiker: “Vom Stil Diese wunderbare Komödie entsprach späteren Ehefrau Romanis, die damals noch elegische Element im Wesen des Komponisten, her ist die Partitur lebendig und brillant. Der eigentlich nicht dem Operngeschmack der ein junges Mädchen und deren Familie mit das sich über die Charakterisierung reiner Übergang von buffo zu serio erfolgt in subtilen damaligen Zeit, nach dem ein blutrünstiges dem Komponisten befreundet war. Donizetti Komödientypen erhebt, gewinnt das Werk an Abstufungen, und die Gefühle werden mit Melodrama vorzuziehen war. Zweifellos und Romani seien überein gekommen, auf die Individualität und emotionalem Tiefgang. großer Leidenschaft zum Ausdruck gebracht… beherrschte Donizetti auch ersteres Metier, wie Forderung Lanaris einzugehen und die Oper Romani wiederum sprach sich gegen die Hier präsentiert sich das Werk eines großen Lucia di Lammermoor beweist, aber er war sich binnen zwei Wochen fertigzustellen. Doch Einbeziehung der Romanze Nemorinos aus. Meisters, der mit seiner Orchestrierung stets durchaus der Tradition der opera buffa bewußt vielleicht hatte Branca später die Ereignisse Seiner Witwe zufolge meinte der Librettist: der Situation gerecht wird… Wollte man den und kannte die Werke seines großen Vorgängers nicht mehr so recht im Sinn; wahrscheinlich “Was soll es, diesen Bauerntölpel so erbärmlich Komponisten noch überschwenglicher loben, Rossini auf diesem Gebiet. Auch hatte er die ließ der Auftrag den Verfassern doch etwas jammern zu lassen, wenn doch alles festlich täte man der Oper Unrecht; seine Arbeit größte Freude daran, einfach aus Spaß selbst mehr Zeit, als sie eingestehen wollte. Einen und vergnügt sein soll?” Indes bewog der bedarf keiner übertriebenen Komplimente”. komische Texte zu schreiben. Darüber hinaus Monat vielleicht. Komponist seinen widerstrebenden Mitarbeiter Vielleicht spiegelt sich darin die Tatsache verstand er sich darauf, schnelle Damals kam niemand auf den Gedanken, schließlich doch dazu, die mustergültig wider, daß Donizetti in dieser Schaffensperiode Auftragsarbeiten zu erledigen. Im Fall von eine Originalgeschichte neu zu verfassen; man passenden Zeilen zu liefern. einfach ein glücklicher Mensch war. Der L’elisir mußte er das auch, denn damit mußte er bearbeitete einfach ein bereits vorhandenes Bei allem Zeit- und Arbeitsdruck mochte 34-jährige hatte bereits 39 Opern komponiert am Teatro della Canobbiana kurzfristig Buch. Nach eingehender Diskussion in Donizetti offenbar nicht gänzlich auf die und zwei Jahre zuvor mit Anna Bolena den einspringen. Donizetti bat Felice Romani, mit freundlicher Atmosphäre einigten sich die schönen Dinge des Lebens verzichten. Eines 24 25 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 26

Tages, als er bei den Brancas zum Abendessen zu vergessen der lebhafte Beitrag des amüsantesten Schwatzarien der gesamten opera wird ein perfekter Gegensatz zwischen der angemeldet war, stürzte er verspätet herein. Bauernvölkchens selbst, das an den Gefühlen buffa, ein wahrhaftiger Wortschwall. Hier wie Wirkungskraft des vermeintlichen Elixiers und “Verzeiht mir”, rief er, “ich war auf dem Wege des Augenblicks deutlich teilhat. im gesamten Werk ist der Chor in die der Intensität der Gefühle Adinas für hierher, als ich bei Romani vorbeischaute, um Der Aufbau des Stückes ist besonders gut musikalische Handlung integriert, und dies Nemorino geschaffen, als sie einen Blick, ein zu sehen, ob er noch etwas Text für mich hätte. gelungen. In natürlicher Abfolge führt nirgendwo deutlicher als in dem Moment, wo Lächeln und eine liebevolle Geste als das Er gab mir tatsächlich ein ganzes Duett. Als ich Donizetti drei seiner vier Hauptfiguren ein. die Mädchen, die von Nemorinos neu wirkungsvollste aller Elixiere bezeichnet. Das die Verse las, mußte ich sie einfach an Ort und Nemorino wird sofort durch seine kurze gewonnenem Reichtum wissen, hinter ihm Allegro aus diesem Duett ist eine der heitersten Stelle vertonen, so sehr war ich davon Kavatine “Quanto è bella!” (Wie schön sie ist!) herjagen – während er meint, hier sei das Passagen in der gesamten Partitur. inspiriert… Heute Abend, noch vor dem charakterisiert, in der nicht nur seine Elixier am Werk: “Dell’ elisir mirabile” (Vom In den letzten Soli für den Helden und die Zubettgehen, werde ich sie orchestrieren und Sehnsucht nach der geliebten, aber scheinbar wundersamen Trank). Heldin rührt der Komponist das Herz. “Una dann morgen dem Kopisten schicken, der sie unerreichbaren Adina auf sympathische Weise Abgesehen von der Arie für Nemorino gegen furtiva lagrima” (Eine verstohlene Träne), eine an die Sänger weitergeben wird… Alles geht zum Ausdruck kommt, sondern auch sein im Ende, entwickelt Donizetti ansonsten die Romanze mit subtiler Moll-Dur-Melodie und mit Volldampf voran.” Grunde schüchternes Wesen (ein Aspekt, den Handlung als eine Serie von reizenden einem elegischen Fagottobbligato, besitzt Später am selben Abend wurde genau diese manche Tenöre bei diesem Part gern und/oder temperamentvollen Duetten und echtes Pathos. Kein Wunder, daß sie heute zu Passage, das Duett “Chiedi all’aura lusinghiera” ausschöpfen). Das alles ist Teil der Einleitung Ensembles. Fließende, melodische Linien wie den meistgeliebten italienischen Opernarien (Frag den schmeichelnden Zephir) von durch den Chor. Auf der anderen Seite in dem bereits erwähnten Duett “Chiedi überhaupt zählt und oft als eigenständiges Donizetti am Klavier gesungen; Emilia Branca der Bühne hört man Adina über eine all’aura lusinghiera”, in der Adina Nemorino Stück gesungen wird. Als Adina auftritt, teilt erinnerte sich, daß er eine angenehme Erzählung lachen, die sie gerade liest – die behutsam sagt, daß sie so unbeständig ist wie sie Nemorino auf rührende Weise mit, daß sie Gesangsstimme besaß. “Er spielte sehr gut. Er Geschichte von Tristan und Isolde und dem die sanften Brisen, werden oft mit scharf seinen Werbevertrag zurückgekauft hat, und war gutaussehend, groß, schlank, die breite Liebestrank, aus der sie anschließend vorliest. akzentuierten Passagen kontrastiert; oder die überreicht ihn mit den Worten “Prendi, per Stirn von schwarzen Locken gekrönt, mit Auf diese Weise wird ihr neckendes Wesen Handlung wird, wie im Finale des 1. Aktes, me sei libero” (Nimm, durch mich bist du regelmäßigen Zügen… Er hatte einen angedeutet. unterbrochen, um Nemorino das Solo “Adina, frei), eine sinnliche, getragene Melodie, die in gutmütigen Blick, offen und ehrlich. Er war Ein Marsch leitet zum Auftritt des credimi” (Adina, glaub mir) zu erlauben, in deutlichem Gegensatz zu ihrer früheren, vor allem simpatico, und das schöne Geschlecht lächerlichen Belcore über, dessen Kavatine sein dem er an die Geliebte appelliert, noch einen spröden Musik steht. war ihm ergeben.” pfauenhaftes Wesen treffend skizziert. Tag zu warten, bevor sie Belcore heiratet, da sie Der Erfolg der Oper schien also Die Opernhandlung spielt im Kontext des Gleichermaßen treffsicher charakterisiert die es sonst beide bereuen würden. Nemorino und prädestiniert zu sein, doch Donizetti hegte bei Dorflebens, das durch die Aufschneiderei des Kavatine “Udite, udite, o rustici” (Hört zu! Belcore haben im Werbeduett “Venti scudi” der Premiere keine großen Hoffnungen, weil er Sergeanten Belcore und die Geistesgegenwart Hört zu, ihr Landleute!) den Quacksalber (Zwanzig Scudi) raffiniert voneinander ernste Bedenken im Hinblick auf die des gewitzten Dr. Dulcamara auf Dulcamara, als er versucht, seine Mittelchen differenzierte Ausdrucksweisen. In der Besetzung hatte: Sabine Heinefetter als Adina, bewundernswerte Weise dargestellt wird, nicht loszuwerden. Es ist eine der längsten und Begegnung zwischen Adina und Dulcamara Giambattista Genero als Nemorino, Henri- 26 27 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 28

Bernard Dabade (der die Rolle des Wilhelm gereichte es zu einem wunderbar Mario wirkten in den späten vierziger Jahren in die reiche Gutsbesitzerin Adina verliebt. Tell schuf) als Belcore und Giuseppe Frezzolini unterhaltsamen Abend: Die Handlung war gut bei einer legendären Inszenierung in London Adina erzählt den Erntearbeitern die als Dulcamara. Gegenüber seinem Librettisten aufgebaut, die Musik ansprechend, der Gesang mit, von der ein berühmter Stich erhalten ist. Geschichte von Tristan und seiner bemerkte er: “Wir haben eine deutsche alles, was man sich wünschen könnte, und das Als Toscanini im Jahre 1900 das Werk an der aussichtslosen Liebe zur Königin Isolde. Er Primadonna, einen stotternden Tenor, einen Orchester hervorragend”. Der ehrgeizige Mailänder Scala dirigierte, machte sich Caruso gewann schließlich ihr Herz, indem er einen Buffo mit Ziegenstimme und einen irische Sänger und Komponist Michael Balfe dort einen Namen als Nemorino; seine verzauberten Liebestrank zu sich nahm, der französischen Baß, der wenig zu bieten hat, hatte (in Vertretung von Benedict) dirigiert, verschiedenen Aufnahmen von “Una furtiva ihn unwiderstehlich machte. aber dennoch müssen wir ihnen Ehre erweisen. aber der Kritiker der Morning Post hätte es lagrima” zählen zu den Kostbarkeiten aus der Sergeant Belcore trifft mit seiner Truppe Nur Mut, mein lieber Romani, immer tapfer vorgezogen, wenn Balfe statt dessen gesungen Frühzeit des Grammophons. Später begeisterte ein. Er bringt Adina ein Ständchen und bittet bleiben”. Tatsächlich war die Aufführung ein hätte. Die Zeitung berichtete weiter, die er in der Rolle an der New Yorker sie zur Verzweiflung Nemorinos um ihre Triumph, und das Werk mußte nach der Vorstellung sei recht gut besucht gewesen, Metropolitan Opera, und andere berühmte Hand. Doch Adina gibt nicht gleich ihr Premiere noch 32 Mal gegeben werden. Als obwohl das Publikum, anders als im King’s Tenöre, wie Schipa, Gigli, Tagliavini, Pavarotti Jawort; Belcore hat sich ihre Liebe noch nicht Ricordi im weiteren Verlauf des Jahres die Theatre, nicht prächtig gekleidet oder modisch (der sich die Rolle des Nemorino besonders verdient. Adina lädt ihn und seine Truppe ein, Partitur für den Druck vorbereitete, bat er gewesen sei: “Wir stellen entschieden in Frage, zu eigen gemacht hat) und Domingo, folgten den einheimischen Wein zu probieren, und Donizetti um eine Widmung. Dieser schrieb ob die Liebe zur italienischen Musik in diesem ihm dort nach. Zefirelli leitete in den die Erntearbeiter packen wieder zu. Nemorino zurück: “Sie überlassen mir freundlicherweise Lande hinreichend weit verbreitet ist, um den sechziger Jahren eine unvergeßliche ruft Adina zurück und bekennt die brennende die Wahl einer Widmung für den Liebestrank, Erfolg dieses Experiments zu sichern.” Zur Inszenierung in Glyndebourne, mit Eugenia Leidenschaft, die er für sie empfindet. und ich darf Sie meines Dankes versichern. Es Erläuterung: Das Lyceum Theatre war damals Ratti (später Freni) als Adina und Luigi Alva Sie erwidert ihm, solche Zuneigung sei sei: Für die Damen von Mailand. Wer weiß als Das Englische Opernhaus bekannt. als Nemorino. töricht. Er täte besser daran, in die Stadt zu ihn besser zu destillieren? Wer weiß ihn besser Das Werk wurde 1838 erstmals in New York seinem reichen, kranken Onkel zu gehen. zu schenken?” gegeben, und zwar auf englisch (wie hier); © 1999 Alan Blyth Sie selbst sei treulos und launisch. Dennoch Was man auch von den Leistungen bei der 1839 folgte die Pariser Uraufführung im versichert ihr Nemorino seine Liebe bis Premiere halten mag, das Werk wurde bald von Théâtre Italien, wo es begeistert aufgenommen Handlung in den Tod. vielen Bühnen übernommen. In London wurde. Während des gesamten wurde es erstmals 1836 im Lyceum Theatre 19. Jahrhunderts wurden die prominentesten 1. Akt Der Dorfplatz gegeben; im darauffolgenden Jahr nahm Her Künstler von dieser Oper in Bann gezogen, Der Eingang zu Adinas Bauernhof Später, auf dem Dorfplatz, berichtet der Majesty’s Theatre es in sein Repertoire auf. darunter Fanny Persiani in der Rolle der Adina, Erntezeit auf dem Bauernhof. Giannetta und umherziehende Quacksalber Dulcamara An die Künstler, die bei der Uraufführung Mario als Nemorino, Antonio Tamburini als die anderen Schnitter haben Schutz vor der der aufmerksamen Menge in allen Einzelheiten mitwirkten, erinnert sich heute niemand mehr, Belcore und Luigi Lablache als Dulcamara, Mittagssonne gesucht und ruhen sich aus. über die erstaunliche Heilkraft seiner aber in der Times hieß es, “Alles in allem später eine seiner berühmtesten Rollen. Er und Nemorino, ein junger Bauer, ist hoffnungslos Mittelchen. Er findet einige Abnehmer, und 28 29 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 30

die Menge zerstreut sich. Nemorino bittet 2. Akt Draußen auf dem Hof eine verstohlene Träne gesehen. Sie muß ihn Dulcamara um den Zaubertrank des Tristan. Hochzeitsessen im Innern von Adinas Giannetta und die Frauen des Dorfes haben doch lieben! Als Adina erscheint, stellt sich Der Quacksalber verkauft ihm schnell Bauernhof erfahren, daß Nemorinos Onkel gestorben ist Nemorino gleichgültig. Sie sagt ihm, daß sie das Elixier, sagt ihm aber, daß die Wirkung Beim Festmahl zur Feier der Hochzeit und ihm ein Vermögen hinterlassen hat. ihn vom Militär losgekauft hat, und bekennt erst nach 24 Stunden eintritt. So hat er Adinas und Belcores singt Dulcamara Nemorino erscheint, und die Frauen scharen ihre Liebe. genug Zeit, das Dorf zu verlassen, bevor zusammen mit Adina eine Barkarole, in sich um ihn und umwerben ihn. Er glaubt, Als sie seine Frage, ob sie ihm sonst nichts der Betrug aufgedeckt wird: Der Liebestrank der es um ein junges Mädchen geht, das daß der Liebestrank zu wirken beginnt – von zu sagen habe, verneint, erklärt er, dann wolle ist in Wirklichkeit nur eine Flasche billigen seinen wohlhabenden Freier zurückweist, der Erbschaft weiß er noch nichts. Adina und er als Soldat sterben. Gerührt bekennt Adina Weins. um ihre wahre Liebe, einen jungen Dulcamara gesellen sich hinzu und sind beide ihre ewige Liebe. Nemorino nimmt den Trank zu sich und Gondoliere, zu heiraten. Der Notar trifft verblüfft darüber, daß Nemorino so im Dulcamara, Belcore und die Dorfbewohner verfällt schnell in einen Rausch. Während er ein, und alle ziehen sich zurück, um als Mittelpunkt steht. Dulcamara kommt zu der kehren dazu. Belcore findet sich damit ab, daß darauf wartet, daß das vermeintliche Elixier Zeugen beim Aufsetzen des Ehevertrags Überzeugung, daß sein Trank tatsächlich er Adina verliert. Dulcamara erzählt den seine Wirkung entwickelt, zeigt er Adina die zugegen zu sein. Dulcamara allerdings bleibt Zauberkraft besitzt, und Adina gesteht sich Anwesenden von der Erbschaft Nemorinos kalte Schulter. Sie ist überrascht und pikiert, zurück, um sich voll Leidenschaft dem selbst ihre Zuneigung zu Nemorino. Giannetta und behauptet, sein Zaubertrank habe nicht daß er ihr gegenüber so gleichgültig auftritt, Festmahl zu widmen. und die Frauen fordern Nemorino zum Tanz nur Liebe, sondern auch Reichtum beschert. und als Belcore weiter um sie wirbt, sagt sie Nemorino hat die Ankunft des Notars auf, während Adina ihn davon überzeugen Einige der Dorfbewohner kaufen die restlichen unverzüglich zu und verspricht, ihn binnen bemerkt. Er bittet Dulcamara, ihm noch will, daß es ein Fehler sei, zum Militär zu Flaschen auf, und Dulcamara verläßt unter sechs Tagen zu heiraten. Nemorino lacht über etwas von dem Liebestrank zu geben, gehen; doch bevor die beiden weiter darüber Hurrarufen und Jubel das Dorf. ihre Pläne, denn er ist überzeugt, daß der hat aber kein Geld mehr. Dulcamara reden können, schleppen die Frauen Nemorino Liebestrank ihm am nächsten Morgen das verlangt Zahlung in bar und kündigt an, davon. © 1999 Chandos Records Ltd Herz Adinas sichern wird. Belcore erhält neue daß er in einer Viertelstunde das Dorf Dulcamara erzählt Adina, daß Nemorino Übersetzung: Andreas Klatt Befehle; er muß nun das Dorf am nächsten verlassen werde. Belcore kommt hinzu den Liebestrank gekauft habe, um ihr Herz zu Morgen verlassen. Adina, verärgert über und versichert Nemorino, daß seine erobern. Sie erkennt, wie grausam sie Nach seinem Abgang vom Royal Northern Nemorinos Reaktion auf ihr Vorhaben, will Probleme sich leicht aus der Welt schaffen gehandelt hat, und daß sie Nemorino liebt. College of Music, wo er als Peter Moores nun die Hochzeit noch auf diesen Abend lassen. Er brauche nur dem Regiment Dulcamara bietet ihr einen Trank an, um die Stipendiat studiert hatte, konnte sich Barry vorziehen. Vergeblich fleht Nemorino sie an, beizutreten und werde daraufhin zwanzig Zuneigung des jungen Bauern zu gewinnen, Banks als einer der Spitzentenöre seiner bis zum nächsten Morgen zu warten. Adina Scudi erhalten. Belcore schildert das herrliche aber sie verläßt sich lieber auf ihren eigenen Generation durchsetzen. Zu seinen Rollen lädt zu ihrem Hochzeitsschmaus ein, und alles Soldatenleben, und der verzweifelte Nemorino verführerischen Charme. Nemorino kehrt auf zählen unter anderem Nemorino (L’elisir verspottet Nemorino, der nun fürchtet, daß willigt ein und eilt davon, um Dulcamara der Suche nach Adina zurück: Als er zuvor mit d’amore) für die English National Opera, die seine Pläne scheitern werden. zu finden. den Dorffrauen flirtete, hatte er in ihrem Auge Titelrollen in Le Comte Ory (Glyndebourne 30 31 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 32

Touring Opera) und Candide für die Chicago In jüngster Zeit hat sie in The Rake’s Progress an Bastille und als Antonio in konzertanten Electrification of the Soviet Union). Man erlebte Lyric Opera, Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor) der Neuen israelischen Oper in Tel Aviv, in Aufführungen von Linda di Chamounix sie auch als Emmie (Albert Herring) auf der für die Welsh National Opera, Tamino (Die Flight (Glyndebourne und Glyndebourne aufgetreten. Rom-Tournee der Glyndebourne Festival Zauberflöte) für die Salzburger Festspiele, Touring Opera) und in Powder Her Face Opera, Dalinda (Ariodante) und Amor (Orfeo La Monnaie, die Leipziger Oper, die (Almeida Opera) mitgewirkt. Im Fernsehen Andrew Shore gilt als der beste Baritonbuffo in ed Euridice) an der English National Opera Glyndebourne Touring Opera und die Scottish sah man sie in Le nozze di Figaro für die Opera Großbritannien. Er hat für alle bedeutenden sowie als Yvette (La rondine) an der Royal Opera; Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) und Argirio Factory und als Erste Zauberin (Dido and britischen Ensembles gesungen, u.a. die Opera; außerdem hat sie bei der (Tancredi) für die Frankfurter Oper und Tom Aeneas), ebenfalls für Chandos. Aufgenommen English National Opera, die Royal Opera Welturaufführung von Hey Persephone! in Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress) für die hat sie u.a. Pacinis Maria, regina d’Inghilterra Covent Garden, die Opera North, die Aldeburgh und auf dem Almeida Festival Metropolitan Opera und das Strawinsky- für Opera Rara, L’Enfant et les sortilèges sowie Glyndebourne Festival Opera, die Scottish mitgewirkt. Festival der BBC. Aufgenommen hat er u.a. die Rolle der Marguerite (Faust) für Opera und die Welsh National Opera. La bohème, Un ballo in maschera und La calisto Chandos/Peter Moores Foundation. Außerdem ist er im Ausland an der San Diego Geoffrey Mitchell hat im Lauf seiner sowie Don Pasquale (für Chandos/Peter Moores Opera, der Neuen israelischen Oper, der Opéra Gesangskarriere ein erstaunlich umfangreiches Foundation). Ashley Holland studierte Musik an der national de Paris-Bastille und Opéra comique Repertoire erschlossen, von alter bis hin zu Universität Warwick und am Royal Northern in Paris sowie in Nantes, Montpellier, zeitgenössischer Musik. Daraus ergaben sich Mary Plazas studierte am Royal Northern College of Music, wo er den Webster Amsterdam, Vancouver und Ottawa erst Dirigieraufträge von der BBC, dann eine College of Music, wo sie ein Peter Moores Booth/Esso Wettbewerb und die Curtis aufgetreten. Im Rahmen seiner zahlreichen ausgedehntere Zusammenarbeit mit seinen Stipendium erhielt, und am National Opera Goldmedaille gewann und ein Peter Moores Verpflichtungen hat er die Titelrollen in Sängern, die wiederum zur Gründung des Studio; 1991 erhielt sie das Kathleen Ferrier Stipendium erhielt. Vor kurzem gewann er Wozzeck, Falstaff, King Priam, Gianni Schicchi Geoffrey Mitchell Choir führte. Frühe Memorial Stipendium. Sie debütierte als die auch den renommierten Opernwettbewerb und Don Pasquale gesungen; außerdem Schallplattenaufnahmen hatten zur Folge, daß Stimme im Don Carlos an der English National RANIERI I Cestelli an der Hamburger Dulcamara (L’elisir d’amore), Don Alfonso (Così der Chor langfristige Beziehungen zu Opera Opera; von 1995–1998 war sie als ENO Staatsoper. Zur Zeit singt er als erster Bariton fan tutte) und Warlaam (Boris Godunow). Rara einging, für die er 15 Opern Company Principal verpflichtet. Unter an der English National Opera, wo er unter Aufgenommen hat er u.a. Die Sache aufgezeichnet hat. Derzeit genießt er dank anderem verkörperte sie die Titelrolle in Das anderem folgende Rollen verkörpert hat: Makropoulos und Don Pasquale, Il barbiere di weiterer Verpflichtungen für die BBC und schlaue Füchslein sowie die Adina, Mimì, Leila, Belcore, Lescaut (Manon), Zurga (Les Pêcheurs Siviglia, Tosca und La bohème (für internationale Schallplattenfirmen wachsendes Nannetta, Michaela, Marzelline (Fidelio) und de perles), Sharpless (Madama Butterfly), Chandos/Peter Moores Foundation). Ansehen. Susanna. Sie ist u.a. auch mit der Royal Opera Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) und Cecil (Maria Covent Garden, der Metropolitan Opera, der Stuarda). Außerdem ist er u.a. als Don Helen Williams studierte am Royal Northern Mit der Gründung des Philharmonia Opera North, der Glyndebourne Touring Giovanni an der Calgary Opera, als Bosun College of Music und debütierte auf dem Orchestra verwirklichte Walter Legge sein Opera und der Garsington Opera aufgetreten. (Billy Budd) an der Opéra national de Paris- Glyndebourne Festival als Sashka (The hohes Ziel, ein handverlesenes Orchester der 32 33 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:20 pm Page 34

Spitzenklasse aufzustellen. Das Philharmonia (und Gründer) des zeitgenössischen Opern- UNAM Symphony Orchestra in Mexico City dem Prix Cecilia ausgezeichnet wurde; für Orchestra gab sein erstes Konzert unter Sir Festivals Almeida Opera. aufgetreten, war mit Carmen in Japan auf Chandos hat er eine preisgekrönte Tosca Thomas Beecham im Oktober 1945 und war Parrys Tätigkeitsbereich ist nicht nur das Tournee und leitete eine Neuinszenierung von aufgenommen, drei Aufnahmen operatischen bald als eines der wahrhaft großen Orchester Opernhaus, sondern auch der Konzertsaal. Kát’a Kabanová für das Festival in Neuseeland. Arien (mit Bruce Ford, Diana Montague und der Welt angesehen. Viele bekannte Dirigenten Sein Repertoire erstreckt sich von Mozart Parry hat zahlreiche Werke für das Label Dennis O’Neill), Faust, Don Pasquale, La haben mit ihm zusammengearbeitet, und es ist und der italienischen Oper des frühen Opera Rara eingespielt, zuletzt Rosmonda bohème, Cavalleria rusticana, Pagliacci und und bleibt das meistaufgezeichnete Orchester 19. Jahrhunderts bis zu Janácˇek, Britten und d’Inghilterra von Donizetti, das in Belgien mit Auszüge vom Rosenkavalier. der Welt. Seine Diskographie, darunter auch zeitgenössischer Musik. In England dirigiert er Opern für die Peter Moores regelmäßig an der English National Opera und Foundation/Opera Rara, beläuft sich auf über konzertiert mit dem Philharmonia Orchestra, tausend Aufnahmen. Der Rang des 1996 machte er mit Così fan tutte sein Debüt Philharmonia Orchestra als “das führende bei dem Glyndebourne Festival. Orchester Londons” ist auf seine Vitalität David Parry gastiert häufig in Spanien, zurückzuführen, seinen einmalig warmen wo er bereits mit den meisten Klang und sein Engagement für die Vergabe Opernkompanien und Sinfonieorchestern von Kompositionsaufträgen und die aufgetreten ist. Die spanische Premiere von Aufführung der Musik bedeutender Peter Grimes fand unter seiner Leitung in Gegenwartskomponisten wie dem Madrid statt; 1996 dirigierte er die erste verstorbenen Witold Lutoslawski, Sir Harrison spanische Inszenierung von The Rake’s Progress Birtwistle und James MacMillan, dem (Strawinsky) und weihte zwei neue Konzertsäle Gastkomponisten des Orchesters. mit der Neunten Sinfonie von Beethoven sowie ein neues Opernhaus mit Carmen ein. David Parry studierte bei Sergiu Celibidache In Italien leitete er Ricciardo e Zoraide bei dem und begann seine Laufbahn als Sir John Rossini-Festival in Pesaro. Er tritt in Pritchards musikalischer Assistent. Er debütierte Frankreich, Deutschland, Belgien, den mit dem English Music Theatre und wurde Niederlanden und Schweden auf, wo er eine Kapellmeister an den Städtischen Bühnen gefeierte Inszenierung von Brittens Dortmund sowie an Opera North in Leeds. Von A Midsummer Night’s Dream dirigierte. 1983 bis 1987 fungierte er als Musikdirektor für Außerhalb Europas ist David Parry bei dem Opera 80 und seit 1992 ist er der Musikdirektor Hongkong International Festival und mit dem 34 35 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 36

demanda alors à Felice Romani, qui avait auteurs se décidèrent pour Le Philtre d’Eugène Donizetti: L’Élixir d’amour travaillé avec lui à Anna Bolena et à Ugo, conte Scribe, (écrit pour un opéra d’Auber), et ajouta di Parigi, de lui écrire le livret. Au départ, des éléments de son cru. Les noms français Lanari avait suggéré à Donizetti de simplement furent transposés en italien, et le lieu de Décrit comme étant le cousin de campagne de Bolena, qui l’avait placé à égalité avec son revoir une de ses œuvres anciennes, peut-être l’action passa d’un village basque à un village Don Pasquale, L’elisir d’amore, qui précéda Don contemporain et rival, Bellini. En mars 1832, il une que le public milanais ne connaissait pas. italien. Romani transforma complètement Pasquale de onze ans, a conquis tous les cœurs avait présenté une nouvelle œuvre à la Scala de Cette idée rendit Donizetti furieux, et il l’histoire conventionnelle de Scribe pour en depuis sa création au Teatro della Canobbiana Milan, Ugo, conte di Parigi, et bien que celle-ci riposta: “Seriez-vous en train de vous moquer faire un texte plus romantique et plus subtil; il de Milan en 1832. Ce succès n’a rien de ait été un échec, cela n’affecta en rien la de moi? Il n’est pas dans mes habitudes de ajouta du sentiment, comme dans la célèbre surprenant si l’on considère sa succession nouvelle gloire du compositeur. Aussi, quand rapiécer mes œuvres ou celles des autres. romanza de Nemorino, “Una furtiva lagrima”, d’ensembles et d’arias assurés dont aucun l’impressario du Teatro della Canobbiana, Attendez plutôt, et vous verrez ce que je peux ce qui fut tout à fait dans le goût du n’accuse une quelconque faiblesse, et ses quatre Alessandro Lanari, lui demanda un nouvel faire en quatorze jours! Je vous donne ma compositeur. C’est cet élément élégiaque dans rôles principaux qui permettent à des opéra, le résultat fut L’elisir d’amore. parole que j’y parviendrai si Romani m’apporte l’écriture de Donizetti qui confère à ses chanteurs-acteurs de briller. Après la première, Cette ravissante comédie se situait à part son aide”. personnages une dimension allant au-delà du un critique de l’époque écrivit: “Le style de la dans le monde de l’opéra de l’époque qui Cette conversation fut rapportée par un simple comique, et confère à l’œuvre son partition est plein de vitalité et de brillant. La préférait les mélodrames sanglants aux témoin de l’époque, la future épouse de originalité et son émotion. En fait, Romani progression du buffo au serio est subtilement comédies. Mais s’il ne fait aucun doute que Romani, Emilia Branca, qui était une jeune s’était opposé à l’ajout de la romanza de graduée, et les émotions y sont exprimées avec Donizetti était un adepte du genre dramatique, fille à ce moment-là, et dont la famille était Nemorino. Selon le témoignage de sa veuve, le une grande passion… Elle révèle un grand comme le montre Lucia di Lammermoor, il amie du compositeur. Elle prétendit que librettiste déclara: “Quel intérêt y-a-t-il à voir maître d’œuvre dont l’orchestration est était également sensible à la tradition de l’opera Donizetti et Romani avaient accepté la pleurnicher de manière pathétique ce péquenot toujours appropriée à la situation… Louer plus buffa, et aux œuvres de son grand prédécesseur demande de Lanari de terminer l’opéra en quand tout se doit d’être festif et gai?” Mais avant le compositeur serait faire injustice à dans ce domaine, Rossini, et rien ne l’amusait deux semaines. Il se peut qu’elle se soit Donizetti l’emporta sur son partenaire l’opéra; son œuvre n’a pas besoin de davantage que d’écrire, pour le plaisir, ses trompée dans ses souvenirs à propos de ce récalcitrant, qui lui écrivit des paroles compliments excessifs”. propres textes comiques. Il était également qui se passa réellement; il est probable qu’ils singulièrement appropriées. Tout ceci résulte peut-être du fait qu’au maître dans l’art de travailler rapidement et sur eurent plus de temps à leur disposition, Apparement, Donizetti n’eut aucune moment de la composition de l’œuvre, commande. Il eut grandement besoin de ces peut-être un mois. intention de sacrifier entièrement les plaisirs de Donizetti était un homme heureux. A trente- qualités dans le cas de L’elisir d’amore, car le A cette époque, il n’était pas question de l’existence à la composition de sa nouvelle quatre ans, il avait déjà écrit trente-neuf opéras, Teatro della Canobbiana lui passa cette créer des histoires originales: elles étaient tout œuvre et ce, malgré le peu de temps dont il et était parvenu à la célébrité avec la commande au dernier moment, quand un simplement adaptées à partir de livres existants. disposait. Cependant, un soir il arriva en retard composition, deux ans plus tôt, de Anna autre commanditaire se désista. Donizetti Après une longue discussion cordiale, les à un dîner chez la famille de Branca. 36 37 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 38

“Pardonnez-moi”, s’exclama-t-il, “J’étais en personnages principaux. Nemorino est potion magique, “Dell’ elisir mirabile” (J’en ai Dans les solos du héros et de l’héroïne, à la chemin, mais comme je suis passé près de chez d’emblée caractérisé par sa brève cavatine, avalé deux bouteilles maintenant). fin, le compositeur touche le cœur. “Una furtiva Romani, je me suis arrêté pour voir s’il pouvait “Quanto è bella!” (Ha, comme elle est belle); il Pour le reste, jusqu’à l’aria de Nemorino près lagrima” (Juste une larme), atteint véritablement me donner de nouveaux textes. En fait, il me y exprime avec tendresse son amour pour de la fin, Donizetti développe l’intrigue en une au pathétique avec son élégiaque tendit tout un duo. A sa lecture, je fus pris Adina qui semble hors de portée, et dévoile la série de duos et d’ensembles tour à tour accompagnement obbligé du basson et sa d’une telle inspiration qu’il me fallut le mettre nature fondamentalement timide de son charmants et spirituels. Des mélodies coulantes mélodie se mouvant subtilement entre le majeur en musique immédiatement… Ce soir, j’en tempérament (un aspect que les ténors qui et harmonieuses (comme celle de “Chiedi et le mineur. On comprend aisément pourquoi ferai l’orchestration avant de me coucher, et chantent ce rôle aiment exploiter). Ceci fait all’aura lusinghiera” d’Adina mentionnée plus cette aria est devenue l’une des plus aimées de demain je l’enverrai au copiste qui le donnera partie de l’introduction chorale. A l’autre bout haut, dans laquelle elle dit gentiment à tout l’opéra italien, et qu’elle est souvent aux chanteurs… Tout progresse à pas de géants.” de la scène, Adina rit du conte qu’elle est en Nemorino qu’elle est inconstante comme les chantée seule. Quand Adina entre, elle lui dit de Plus tard ce soir là, Donizetti au piano train de lire – l’histoire de Tristan et Iseult et de vents légers toujours en mouvement), sont manière touchante qu’elle a racheté sa feuille de chanta le duo en question, “Chiedi all’aura son philtre d’amour, qu’elle commence à lire à fréquemment mises en contrastes avec des recrutement. Elle la lui tend en chantant lusinghiera” (Demande aux vents), Emilia voix haute. Son caractère aguicheur est ainsi passages très accentués, ou comme dans le cas “Prendi, per me sei libero” (Prends-la. Je t’ai Branca se souvenant qu’il pouvait chanter de ébauché. du Finale de l’Acte I, l’action est suspendue rendu ta liberté), une longue et sensuelle mélodie manière fort charmante. Elle ajoute: “Il jouait Une marche introduit le personnage ridicule pour permettre à Nemorino de chanter un qui produit un constrate très marqué par très bien. Il était beau: grand, mince, son large de Belcore, dont la cavatine trace avec solo, “Adina, credimi” (Adina, réfléchis rapport à sa musique fragile entendue plus tôt. front couronné de mèches brunes, les traits du beaucoup d’effet le caractère prétentieux. Plus encore); il implore sa bien-aimée de croire à L’opéra semblait ainsi destiné au succès dès visage réguliers… Son aspect était agréable, tard, le charlatan Dulcamara est dépeint d’une l’authenticité de son amour, et d’attendre un ses débuts. Pourtant, Donizetti n’avait pas franc et ouvert. Il était par-dessus tout manière aussi sûre dans son récitatif et aria, jour de plus avant d’épouser Belcore. tellement espoir que la première représentation simpatico, et le beau sexe lui était entièrement “Udite, udite, o rustici” (Ecoutez, écoutez, Nemorino et Belcore reçoivent des modes fût un succès. En effet, il avait les plus grandes dévoué”. vous paysans!), dans laquelle il tente de vendre d’expression astucieusement différenciés dans réserves quant à la distribution disponible: L’action de l’opéra se situe dans un village ses remèdes et ses cures. Cette aria est l’une des le duo de recrutement “Venti scudi” (Vingt Sabine Heinefetter dans le rôle d’Adina, dont la vie est admirablement représentée par plus développées et des plus enthousiasmantes florins). Lors de la rencontre entre Adina et Giambattista Genero dans celui de Nemorino, les fanfaronnades du sergent Belcore, la malice de toute l’histoire de l’opera buffa, un véritable Dulcamara, le pouvoir de la potion magique Henri-Bernard Dabade (qui avait créé le rôle du Dr Dulcamara, sans oublier les interventions torrent de paroles. Ici, comme tout au long de est parfaitement mis en relief avec le pouvoir de Guillaume Tell) dans celui de Belcore, et enjouées des paysans eux-mêmes, qui prennent l’œuvre, le chœur est étroitement mêlé à des sentiments d’Adina pour Nemorino quand Giuseppe Frezzolini dans celui de Dulcamara. une grande part aux émotions du moment. l’action musicale; mais il l’est encore plus elle dit qu’un regard, un sourire et un geste Il commenta ainsi à son collaborateur: “Nous La pièce est merveilleusement construite. lorsque les filles du village, ayant découvert la tendre seront la plus puissante des potions. La avons une prima donna allemande, un ténor Dans une séquence s’enchaînant avec naturel, nouvelle fortune de Nemorino, se mettent à le section allegro de ce duo est l’un des passages qui bégaye, un buffo avec une voix de chèvre et Donizetti introduit trois de ses quatre poursuivre. Lui s’imagine que c’est l’effet de la les plus grisants de la partition. une basse française qui n’a pas grand chose à 38 39 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 40

offrir, et pourtant nous devons les honorer. était raisonnablement remplie, le public n’était il fut suivi par des ténors aussi célèbres que goûter le vin du pays tandis que les Courage, cher Romani, gardez le moral”. En pas brillant et à la mode, comme celui du Schipa, Gigli, Tagliavini, Pavarotti (qui fit moissonneurs retournent à leur travail. fait, la création fut un triomphe, et l’œuvre fut King’s Theatre: “Nous nous demandons particulièrement sien le rôle de Nemorino) et Nemorino appelle Adina et lui déclare sa reprise trente-deux fois après la première soirée. sérieusement si le goût pour la musique Domingo. Zeffirelli mit en scène l’opéra de flamme, mais elle lui répond qu’une telle Plus tard cette année-là, Ricordi, préparant la italienne est suffisamment développé dans ce manière inoubliable à Glyndebourne dans les passion n’est que folie. Au lieu de cela, il ferait partition pour la publication, demanda à pays pour faire de cette expérience un succès.” années 1960, avec Eugenia Ratti dans le rôle mieux d’aller en ville et prendre soin de son Donizetti une dédicace. Il lui répondit: Le Lyceum était alors connu sous le nom de d’Adina, repris plus tard par Mirella Freni, et riche oncle qui est malade. En outre, elle est “Puisque vous me laissez aimablement le choix The English Opera House, d’où ce Luigi Alva dans celui de Nemorino. inconstante, et change d’avis toutes les heures. d’une dédicace pour L’Elixir d’amour, je vous commentaire. Quoi qu’il en soit, Nemorino fait le vœu de en suis très reconnaissant. Qu’elle soit Pour le L’œuvre fut donnée pour la première fois à © 1999 Alan Blyth l’aimer jusqu’à son dernier souffle. Beau Sexe de Milan. Qui sait mieux comment New York, en anglais (comme bien entendu le distiller? Qui sait mieux comment ici), en 1838, et à Paris au Théâtre Italien – Argument La place du village l’accorder?” avec un succès phénoménal – en 1839. Un peu plus tard sur la place du village, un Quels qu’aient été les mérites de la première, Pendant tout le XIXe siècle, elle attira les Acte I charlatan ambulant, le docteur Dulcamara, l’œuvre fut rapidement mise à l’affiche par de distributions les plus brillantes, notamment Entrée de la ferme d’Adina raconte en détail les extraordinaires propriétés nombreux théâtres. Elle fut donnée pour la Fanny Persiani dans le rôle d’Adina, Mario C’est la période des moissons. Dans une ferme, curatives de ses potions et élixirs devant une première fois à Londres au Lyceum Theatre en dans celui de Nemorino, Antonio Tamburini Giannetta et ses camarades moissonneurs se foule attentive, qui lui en achète quelques- 1836 et, l’année suivante, elle entra au dans celui de Belcore, et Luigi Lablache dans reposent à l’ombre du soleil de midi. unes, puis se disperse. Nemorino demande répertoire du Théâtre de Sa Majesté (Her celui de Dulcamara – qui devint l’un de ses Nemorino, un jeune paysan, est désespérément alors la potion magique de Tristan à Dulcamara Majesty’s). L’histoire n’a retenu le nom d’aucun rôles les plus célèbres. Lablache et Mario amoureux d’Adina, la riche propriétaire de la qui s’empresse de la lui vendre. Dulcamara lui des chanteurs de la première londonienne, chantèrent dans une production légendaire ferme. Adina raconte aux moissonneurs dit qu’il faut attendre vingt-quatre heures pour mais le Times fit ce commentaire: “L’ensemble donnée à Londres vers la fin des années 1840, l’histoire de Tristan, qui poursuivit en vain la que la potion fasse son effet. Cela permet au fut suffisant pour constituer un spectacle fort et dont il existe une célèbre gravure. A La Scala reine Iseult. Il gagna son cœur en buvant une docteur de quitter le village avant que sa agréable: l’intrigue était bonne, la musique de Milan, Toscanini dirigea l’œuvre en 1900 potion magique qui le rendit irrésistible. duperie ne soit découverte: l’élixir n’est rien plaisante, le chant tout ce qu’on pouvait avec Caruso qui se fit un nom dans cette Belcore, un sergent recruteur, arrive avec son d’autre en effet qu’une bouteille de vin désirer, et l’orchestre excellent”. L’ambitieux maison avec le rôle de Nemorino, et dont les régiment. Il fait la cour à Adina, et la demande ordinaire. chanteur irlandais Michael Balfe était au diverses versions de “Una furtiva lagrima” rapidement en mariage, au grand désespoir de Nemorino boit le vin, et devient rapidement pupitre (à la place de Benedict), mais le comptent parmi les gloires du début du Nemorino. Cependant, Adina n’accepte pas pompette. Il traite Adina avec indifférence tout Morning Post aurait préféré que Balfe chantât phonographe. Plus tard, il enthousiasma avec tout de suite; il n’a pas encore conquis son en attendant avec confiance que l’élixir au lieu de diriger. L’article ajouta que la salle ce rôle le Metropolitan Opera de New York où amour. Adina invite Belcore et son régiment à produise un effet sur elle. Adina est surprise et 40 41 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 42

vexée par le comportement si indifférent de n’ait plus un sou, il supplie Dulcamara de lui son amour. Adina réalise alors combien elle a Diplômé du Royal Northern College of Music Nemorino à son égard, et quand Belcore donner davantage d’élixir. Dulcamara exige de été cruelle, et aussi qu’elle aime Nemorino. de où il étudia grâce à une bourse continue à lui faire la cour, elle accepte l’argent liquide, et dit à Nemorino qu’il va Dulcamara lui propose une potion pour le de la Peter Moores Foundation, Barry Banks immédiatement, et lui déclare qu’elle quitter le village dans quinze minutes. Belcore séduire, mais elle préfère user de ses charmes. s’est imposé comme l’un des ténors les plus l’épousera dans six jours. Nemorino se moque apparaît et déclare à Nemorino que son Nemorino revient à la recherche d’Adina. remarquables de sa génération. Il s’est produit de leur projet, car il est confiant que l’élixir lui problème peut être facilement réglé: il lui suffit Pendant qu’il flirtait avec les femmes du dans le rôle de Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) à garantira l’amour d’Adina le lendemain matin. de s’engager dans son régiment, et il recevra village, il l’a aperçue en train de verser une l’English National Opera, dans le rôle titre du Mais Belcore reçoit de nouveaux ordres: il doit alors vingt florins. Belcore lui vante les charmes larme furtive: elle doit certainement l’aimer. Comte Ory avec le Glyndebourne Touring quitter le village demain matin. Rendue de la vie militaire, et en désespoir de cause, Quand Adina apparaît, Nemorino fait Opera, dans le rôle titre de Candide au furieuse par la réaction de Nemorino, Adina Nemorino accepte. Il se précipite ensuite à la l’indifférent. Elle lui dit qu’elle a racheté sa Chicago Lyric Opera, dans celui d’Edgardo avance la date du mariage qui sera célébré ce recherche de Dulcamara. feuille d’enrôlement. (Lucia di Lammermoor) au Welsh National soir même. Nemorino supplie Adina d’attendre Au moment où elle se retourne pour partir, Opera, Tamino (Die Zauberflöte) au festival de jusqu’au lendemain matin, mais sans succès. Dehors dans la cour de la ferme il lui demande si elle n’a rien d’autre à lui dire. Salzbourg, au Théâtre de la Monnaie à Adina invite tout le monde au banquet, et tous Giannetta et les femmes du village ont appris à Quand elle lui répond non, il réagit avec colère Bruxelles, à l’Opéra de Leipzig, avec le se moquent de Nemorino, qui craint de voir l’insu de Nemorino que son oncle vient de et lui dit qu’il va de toute façon s’engager dans Glyndebourne Touring Opera et au Scottish ses projets anéantis. mourir en lui laissant une fortune. Nemorino l’armée. Adina fond en larmes, et reconnaît Opera, Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) et Argirio apparaît, et les femmes l’entourent et lui font la qu’elle l’aime et qu’elle lui appartiendra pour (Tancredi) à l’Opéra de Franckfort, et Tom Acte II cour. Il croit que l’élixir fait enfin son effet. toujours. Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress) au Metropolitan Banquet de mariage dans la ferme d’Adina Adina et Dulcamara entrent et sont stupéfaits Dulcamara, Belcore et les villageois Opera de New York et dans le cadre du festival Au banquet tenu en l’honneur du mariage de voir Nemorino entouré d’une telle reviennent. Belcore accepte le fait qu’il est en Stravinski de la BBC. Il a enregistré entre d’Adina et de Belcore, Dulcamara chante avec attention. Dulcamara croit alors que sa potion train de perdre Adina. Dulcamara raconte à autres La bohème, Un ballo in maschera, La Adina une barcarolle qui raconte l’histoire est vraiment magique, tandis qu’Adina s’avoue tout le monde l’histoire de l’héritage de calisto et Don Pasquale (pour Chandos et la d’une jeune fille qui repousse les avances d’un à elle-même qu’elle est éprise de Nemorino. Nemorino, et affirme que sa potion magique Peter Moores Foundation). riche prétendant pour épouser celui qu’elle Giannetta et les femmes supplient Nemorino n’apporte pas seulement l’amour, mais aussi la aime véritablement, un jeune gondolier. Le de danser avec elles, tandis qu’Adina tente de fortune. Des villageois lui achètent les Mary Plazas a étudié au Royal Northern notaire arrive, et tout le monde se retire pour lui dire que son enrôlement est une erreur; bouteilles de vin ordinaire qui lui restent, puis College of Music de Manchester, où elle obtint assister à la rédaction du contrat de mariage; mais avant de pouvoir parler davantage, il quitte le village tout joyeux et jubilant. une bourse de la Peter Moores Foundation, cependant, Dulcamara reste pour pouvoir se Giannetta et les femmes entraînent Nemorino. puis au National Opera Studio. Elle obtint gaver tout à loisir. Dulcamara raconte à Adina comment © 1999 Chandos Records Ltd également le Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Nemorino a vu le notaire arriver. Bien qu’il Nemorino lui a acheté l’élixir pour conquérir Traduction: Francis Marchal Scholarship 1991. Elle a fait ses débuts dans le 42 43 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 44

rôle de la Voix céleste (Don Carlos) à l’English gagné un prix lors du prestigieux concours (Così fan tutte) et Varlaam (Boris Goudonov). projets avec la BBC et des maisons de disques National Opera, et de 1995 à 1998, elle a été RANIERI I Cestelli à l’Opéra d’état de Parmi ses enregistrements figurent L’Affaire internationales. “ENO Company Principal”. Elle a chanté les Hambourg. Il est actuellement premier bariton Makropoulos, Don Pasquale, Il barbiere di rôles titres dans Le Petit renard rusé, Adina, à l’English National Opera où il a chanté les Siviglia, Tosca et La bohème (pour Chandos et Quand il créa le Philharmonia Orchestra, Mimì, Leila, Nannetta, Michaela, Marzelline rôles de Belcore, Lescaut (Manon), Zurga la Peter Moores Foundation). Walter Legge réalisa sa grande ambition de (Fidelio) et Suzanna. Elle s’est produite au (Les Pêcheurs de perles), Sharpless (Madama former un orchestre de niveau international Royal Opera Covent Garden de Londres, au Butterfly), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) et Helen Williams a étudié au Royal Northern composé de musiciens triés sur le volet. Le Metropolitan Opera de New York, à l’Opera Cecil (). Il s’est également College of Music de Manchester, et a fait ses Philharmonia Orchestra donna son premier North, avec le Glyndebourne Touring Opera, produit à l’Opéra de Calgary dans le rôle débuts au festival de Glyndebourne dans le rôle concert sous la direction de Sir Thomas et au Garsington Opera. Récemment, elle a de Don Giovanni, à l’Opéra national de de Sashka (The Electrification of the Soviet Beecham en octobre 1945, et s’imposa chanté dans The Rake’s Progress au Nouveau Paris-Bastille dans le rôle de Bosun (Billy Union). Elle a également chanté les rôles rapidement comme l’un des véritables grands Opéra israélien à Tel Aviv, dans Flight à Budd), et en concert dans le rôle d’Antonio d’Emmie (Albert Herring) avec le orchestres du monde. De nombreux chefs Glyndebourne et avec le Glyndebourne (Linda di Chamounix). Glyndebourne Festival Opera en tournée à d’orchestre illustres ont été étroitement associés Touring Opera, et dans Powder Her Face à Rome, Dalinda (Ariodante) et Amor (Orfeo ed avec cet orchestre qui demeure aujourd’hui le l’Almeida Opera. Parmi ses prestations Andrew Shore est considéré comme le meilleur Euridice) à l’English National Opera, Yvette plus enregistré au monde. En effet, sa télévisées, on citera Le nozze di Figaro avec bariton bouffe anglais de notre temps. Il s’est (La rondine) à Covent Garden, et dans la discographie compte plus de mille l’Opera Factory, et Dido and Aeneas (dans le produit avec toutes les grandes compagnies création mondiale de Hey Persephone! à enregistrements incluant des opéras pour la rôle de la Première Sorcière), également pour anglaises, notamment à l’English National Aldeburgh et au festival d’Almeida. Peter Moores Foundation et Opera Rara. La Chandos. Elle a enregistré Maria, regina Opera, au Royal Opera Covent Garden de position de “premier orchestre de Londres” du d’Inghilterra de Pacini pour Opera Rara, Londres, à l’Opera North, au festival de La carrière de chanteur de Geoffrey Mitchell a Philharmonia Orchestra résulte de sa vitalité, L’Enfant et les sortilèges et Marguerite (Faust) Glyndebourne, au Scottish Opera et au Welsh couvert un répertoire d’une remarquable de sa sonorité chaleureuse unique et de sa (pour Chandos et la Peter Moores Opera. A l’étranger, il a chanté à l’Opéra de étendue allant de la musique ancienne à la volonté de commander et de jouer des œuvres Foundation). San Diego, au Nouveau Opéra israélien, à musique contemporaine. Elle prit son essor de compositeurs contemporains importants tels l’Opéra national de Paris-Bastille et à l’Opéra à la suite de plusieurs invitations à diriger que le regretté Witold Lutoslawski, Sir Ashley Holland a fait ses études à l’Université comique, à Nantes, Montpellier, Amsterdam, que lui offrit la BBC, et à une collaboration Harrison Birtwistle, et le compositeur associé de Warwick et au Royal Northern College of Vancouver et Ottawa. Ses nombreux plus étroite avec ses propres chanteurs. C’est de l’orchestre, James MacMillan. Music de Manchester, où il obtint une bourse engagements l’ont conduit à chanter les rôles ainsi qu’il fut amené à fonder le Geoffrey de la Peter Moores Foundation et remporta le titres de Wozzeck, Falstaff, King Priam, Gianni Mitchell Choir avec lequel il a enregistré David Parry étudia avec Sergiu Celibidache et concours Webster Booth/Esso, et la Curtis Schicchi, Don Pasquale, ainsi que ceux de quinze opéras pour Opera Rara. Jouissant commença sa carrière comme assistant de Sir Gold Medal. Récemment, il a également Dulcamara (L’elisir d’amore), Don Alphonso d’une réputation grandissante, ils ont d’autres John Pritchard. Il fit ses débuts avec l’English 44 45 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 46

Music Theatre et devint plus tard chef Il s’est également produit en Italie où il a dirigé appointé du Städtische Bühnen Dortmund et Ricciardo et Zoraide au Festival d’opéra de Donizetti: L’elisir d’amore d’Opera North. Directeur musical d’Opera 80 Pesaro (consacré à Rossini), mais il s’est aussi de 1983 à 1987, il est depuis 1992 le directeur rendu en France, en Allemagne, en Belgique, musical fondateur du festival d’opéra en Hollande, et en Suède où il a dirigé une Un tempo descritto graficamente come il posto alla pari con Bellini, suo contemporaneo contemporain Almeida Opera. mise en scène très applaudie du Midsummer cugino di campagna del Don Pasquale, L’elisir e rivale. Nel marzo 1832 aveva presentato un Il poursuit une carrière très active à l’opéra Night’s Dream de Britten. d’amore, che precede Pasquale di undici anni, nuovo lavoro a Milano, alla Scala, Ugo, conte et dans les salles de concert. Son répertoire Hors d’Europe, David Parry s’est produit au ha conquistato tutti i cuori da quando fu di Parigi, che aveva fatto fiasco, senza peraltro va de Mozart et de l’opéra italien du début Festival international de Hong Kong, a dirigé rappresentato per la prima volta al Teatro della compromettere la fama che il compositore si du XIXe siècle à Janácˇek, Britten et à la l’UNAM Symphony Orchestra à Mexico, a fait Canobbiana a Milano nel 1832; né c’è da era di recente guadagnata. Quindi, quando musique contemporaine. En Angleterre, une tournée consacrée à Carmen au Japon, et, stupirsene, vista la sequela di arie e concertati venne interpellato da Alessandro Lanari, il a fait des apparitions régulières à l’English en 1996, a dirigé une nouvelle mise en scène de d’infallibile mira – non uno che faccia cilecca – impresario del Canobbiana, il risultato fu National Opera et lors de concerts avec le Kát’a Kabanová au Festival de Nouvelle- e quattro ruoli nei quali cantanti/attori L’elisir. Philharmonia. En 1996, il a fait ses débuts au Zélande. possono eccellere. Dopo la premiere un critico Questa deliziosa commedia si distaccava dal Festival de Glyndebourne avec Così fan tutte. Il a réalisé un grand nombre contemporaneo scrisse: “Lo stile di questa carattere operistico del tempo che preferiva Il se rend fréquemment en Espagne où il d’enregistrements pour le label Opera Rara, le musica è vitale e brillante. La sfumatura fra cruenti melodrammi alle commedie. Donizetti s’est produit avec la plupart des troupes d’opéra plus récent étant Rosmonda d’Inghilterra de buffo e serio è graduata con finezza e i era indubbiamente capace di trattare il genere et des orchestres symphoniques. Il a donné la Donizetti, qui a remporté le prix Cecilia en sentimenti sono espressi con grande passione… tragico – si veda la Lucia di Lammermoor – ma première espagnole de Peter Grimes à Madrid Belgique, et c’est chez Chandos qu’il a dirigé Rivela un grande maestro al lavoro, era anche ben conscio della tradizione et, en 1996, a dirigé la première mise en scène son enregistrement primé de Tosca, trois l’orchestrazione è sempre pertinente alla dell’opera buffa, e del lavoro compiuto in quel espagnole de The Rake’s Progress. Il a aussi disques d’aries operatiques (avec Bruce Ford, situazione… Non si farebbe giustizia all’opera campo dal suo grande predecessore, Rossini, e inauguré deux nouvelles salles de concert avec Diana Montague et Dennis O’Neill), Faust, lodando il compositore più profusamente; la niente lo allettava quanto lo scrivere, per une interprétation de la Neuvième symphonie Don Pasquale, La bohème, Cavalleria rusticana, sua musica non ha bisogno di esagerati divertimento, i propri testi comici. Era anche de Beethoven et un nouvel opéra avec Carmen. Pagliacci et extraits du Rosenkavalier. complimenti”. bravo a lavorare celermente e su commissione. Forse ciò rispecchia il fatto che al tempo in E ne aveva bisogno nel caso dell’Elisir, perché cui compose quest’opera Donizetti era un la commissione ricevuta dal Teatro della uomo felice. All’età di trentaquattro anni aveva Canobbiana gli giunse all’ultimo momento, già portato a compimento trentanove opere e quando venne a mancare un altro lavoro due anni prima aveva, con la composizione di commissionato. Donizetti si rivolse a Felice Anna Bolena, raggiunto una fama che lo aveva Romani, che aveva lavorato con lui alla Bolena 46 47 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 48

e all’Ugo, per la stesura del libretto. Dapprima tramutati in nomi italiani, l’ambientazione metterli in musica sull’istante, tanto mi fondamentalmente timida (cosa che i tenori Lanari aveva suggerito a Donizetti di limitarsi venne spostata da un villaggio basco ad un avevano ispirato… Stasera, prima di andare a che interpretano la parte amano sfruttare). Ciò semplicemente a riattare un lavoro già fatto in villaggio italiano. Romani, nell’insieme, volse letto, li strumenterò e domani li manderò al fa parte dell’introduzione corale. Dall’altro lato precedenza, possibilmente uno che i milanesi la convenzionalità del libro di Scribe in un copista che li passerà ai cantarti… Tutto sta della scena si sente Adina che ride leggendo la non conoscevano. Donizetti andò su tutte le testo più fine e più romantico, ed il sentimento andando a gonfie vele.” storia di Tristano e Isotta e del filtro magico furie e replicò: “Mi prendete forse in giro? Non che vi aggiunse – come nella famosa romanza Più tardi, quella sera, lo stesso passaggio – il d’amore; storia che poi continua a leggere ad è mio costume rabberciare i miei lavori o quelli di Nemorino, “Una furtiva largrima” – molto duetto, “Chiedi all’aria lusinghiera” – venne alta voce. Da ciò si deduce la sua natura di chiunque altro. State un po’ a vedere cosa si adattava al gusto di Donizetti; è questo cantato al pianoforte da Donizetti. Emilia canzonatoria. son capace di fare in quindici giorni! Vi do’ la elemento elegiaco della scrittura donizettiana Branca ricorda che Donizetti aveva una voce Una marcia porta in scena il ridicolo Belcore mia parola d’onore che lo farò, solo che che eleva i suoi personaggi dalla loro chiave piacevole. Aggiunge: “Suonava molto bene. Era la cui cavatina delinea efficacemente il suo Romani mi aiuti”. comica e che da’ all’opera la sua individualità un bell’uomo: alto, slanciato, l’ampia fronte carattere vanitoso. Più in là il ciarlatano Questa conversazione è narrata da un ed emotività. Romani, peraltro, si era opposto coronata da riccioli neri, le fattezze regolari… Dulcamara è descritto in maniera altrettanto testimonio contemporaneo, Emilia Branca, all’inclusione della romanza di Nemorino. Il suo aspetto denotava una buona indole, infallibile nel suo recitativo e aria: “Udite, futura moglie di Romani, allora una giovinetta, Secondo la sua vedova, il librettista disse: “A sincera ed aperta. Sopratutto era simpatico, ed udite, o rustici”, in cui cerca di smerciare i suoi la cui famiglia era amica del compositore. Essa qual pro’ il patetico piagnucolio di questo il bel sesso gli era devoto”. medicinali e terapie in una delle più estese ed afferma che Donizetti e Romani si accordarono zoticone quando tutto dovrebbe essere allegro e L’azione dell’opera si svolge entro il contesto irresistibili delle arie semiparlate di tutta l’opera ad accettare la richiesta di Lanari di completare festivo?” Ma il compositore prevalse sul suo della vita di paese, ammirevolmente descritta buffa, un vero torrente di parole. Qui, come l’opera in due settimane. Può ben darsi che sconsigliato partner, il quale finì per fornire il nelle rodomontate di Belcore e nella scaltrezza per tutta l’opera, il coro è integrato nell’azione Branca si sia sbagliata ricordando più tardi ciò singolarmente appropriato testo. del garrulo Dottor Dulcamara; né si musicale, in particolar modo al momento in che era accaduto; è probabile che la A quanto pare Donizetti non intendeva dimentichi il vivace contributo degli stessi cui le ragazze, avendo scoperto la ricchezza di commissione abbia dato agli autori un po’ più sacrificare interamente la bella vita per la paesani che prendono attiva parte alle nuovo conio di Nemorino, gli danno la caccia, di tempo, un mese forse. composizione di una nuova opera, anche se il emozioni del momento. sebbene egli creda che sia l’effetto dell’elisir, A quei tempi creare un soggetto originale era tempo scarseggiava. Un giorno, comunque, Il pezzo è felicemente costruito. In una “Dell’elisir mirabile”. fuori discussione: semplicemente veniva quando era atteso a cena a casa dei Branca, sequenza naturale Donizetti presenta tre dei Per il resto, fino alla romanza di Nemorino adottato un libro già esistente. Dopo lunghe ed giunse trafelato in ritardo. “Perdonatemi”, suoi quattro personaggi principali. Nemorino è vicino alla fine, Donizetti sviluppa la trama in amichevoli discussioni gli autori si fermarono esclamò. “Ero per la strada quando sono immediatamente caratterizzato dalla sua breve una serie di incantevoli e oppure briosi duetti e su Le Philtre di Eugène Scribe e lo adattarono passato dalla casa di Romani e mi sono fermato cavatina, “Quanto è bella!”, nella quale il suo concertati. Frasi scorrevoli e melodiose quali la felicemente. Romani tagliò il testo di Scribe per vedere se aveva un po’ di testo da darmi. desiderio per l’amata, ma apparentemente già citata di Adina, “Chiedi all’aria lusinghiera”, (scritto per un’opera di Auber) e vi aggiunse Infatti, mi ha consegnato un duetto intero. irraggiungibile, Adina è espresso con tenerezza, in cui ella teneramente gli dice di essere tanto materiale proprio. I nomi francesi vennero Leggendo i versi, semplicemente, ho dovuto così come è rivelata la sua natura volubile quanto il venticello sempre in moto, 48 49 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 50

spesso contrastano con passaggi frizzanti, E così l’opera sembrò destinata al successo non si ricorda nessuno degli interpreti di quella Lablache e Mario apparvero in un leggendario oppure, come nel finale dell’Atto I, l’azione sin dalla sua inaugurazione, ma Donizetti non iniziale esecuzione, ma The Times commentò: allestimento a Londra nei tardi anni quaranta viene trattenuta per far posto all’a solo di si fece grandi illusioni circa il successo della “Nell’insieme ce n’era a sufficienza per di quel secolo: di questo allestimento esiste una Nemorino, “Adina, credimi”, in cui implora il prima rappresentazione, avendo serie riserve costituire una serata di delizioso trattenimento: stampa famosa. Nel 1900 Toscanini diresse suo bene di credere al suo sincero amore e di nei confronti degli interpreti disponibili: la trama era buona, la musica piacevole, i l’opera alla Scala con Caruso, che in quel teatro aspettare un giorno prima di sposare Belcore. Sabine Heinefetter come Adina, Giambattista cantanti diedero quanto si poteva desiderare e si face un nome come Nemorino. I suoi vari Nemorino e Belcore si esprimono in modo Genero come Nemorino, Henri-Bernard l’orchestra era eccellente”. L’ambizioso dischi di “Una furtiva lagrima” sono fra le abilmente differenziato nel duetto Dabade (che aveva creato il ruolo di Guglielmo cantante-compositore irlandese Michael Balfe glorie dei primi anni di storia discografica. Più dell’arruolamento “Venti scudi”. Nell’incontro Tell) come Belcore, e Giuseppe Frezzolini come diresse (al posto di Benedict), ma The Morning tardi mandò in estasi il Metropolitan in questo di Adina con Dulcamara la potenza della fasulla Dulcamara. Donizetti così commentò al suo Post scrisse che sarebbe stato meglio se Balfe ruolo, dove poi venne seguito da rinomati pozione fa da perfetto contrappeso alla potenza collaboratore: “Abbiamo una primadonna avesse cantato anziché diretto. Il giornale tenori quali Schipa, Gigli, Tagliavini, Pavarotti dei sentimenti di Adina verso Nemorino tedesca, un tenore balbuziente, un buffo con aggiunse che il teatro era tollerabilmente (largamente appropriatosi il ruolo di mentre dice che uno sguardo, un sorriso, un una voce caprina ed un basso francese che ha pieno, il pubblico non così brillante né così Nemorino) e Domingo. Zeffirelli allestì l’opera gesto di tenerezza saranno la più forte delle poco da offrire, eppure dobbiamo far loro mondano come al King’s: “Ci si domanda memorabilmente a Glyndebourne nel 1960 pozioni; l’allegro di questo duetto è uno dei omaggio. Coraggio, caro Romani, tieni in alto seriamente se l’amore per la musica italiana con Eugenia Ratti (poi Freni) come Adina e passaggi più scintillanti dell’opera. lo spirito”. In effetti l’occasione si dimostrò un abbia fatto abbastanza progressi in questo paese Luigi Alva come Nemorino. Nelle arie finali per l’eroe e per l’eroina il trionfo e l’opera venne replicata 32 volte dopo da assicurare il successo di questo compositore tocca il cuore. C’è un’emozione la prima. Più tardi in quell’anno Ricordi, nel esperimento.” Il Lyceum era allora conosciuto © 1999 Alan Blyth genuina in “Una furtiva lagrima”, con il suo preparare la pubblicazione della partitura, come The English Opera House: da ciò il elegiaco obbligato del fagotto: una romanza con chiese a Donizetti una dedica. Il compositore commento. La trama una fine melodia in minore – maggiore. Non rispose: “Giacché gentilmente mi avete lasciato L’opera fu data per la prima volta a New per nulla è diventata una delle arie più amate la scelta di una dedica per L’elisir d’amore, Ve York, in inglese (come, naturalmente, in questo Atto I di tutte l’opera italiana, spesso cantata ne sono molto grato. Che sia dedicata al Bel disco), nel 1838, e rappresentata in prima a Ingresso alla fattoria di Adina separatamente. Quando Adina rientra, gli dice, Sesso milanese. Chi meglio sa come distillarlo? Parigi – accolta con immenso diletto – al E’ tempo di mietitura in una fattoria del luogo. con commossa tenerezza, che lo ha riscattato Chi meglio sa come elargirlo?” Théâtre Italien nel 1839. Durante tutto Giannetta e i suoi compagni mietitori si dall’arruolamento e gli consegna il contratto Qualunque siano stati i meriti della premiere l’Ottocento attrasse gli interpreti più favolosi, riposano al riparo dal sole cocente. Nemorino, cantando, “Prendi, per me sei libero”: una l’opera venne presto adottata in molti teatri. Fu fra questi Fanny Persiani come Adina, Mario un contadinotto, è perdutamente innamorato melodia sensuale, a lungo respiro, che contrasta rappresentata per la prima volta a Londra al come Nemorino, Antonio Tamburini come di Adina, la ricca padrona della fattoria. Adina marcatamente con la sua pungente musica Lyceum Theatre nel 1836 e l’anno dopo entrò Belcore e Luigi Lablache come Dulcamara: racconta ai mietitori la leggenda di Tristano precedente. in repertorio allo Her Majesty’s Theatre. Oggi ruolo che divenne uno dei suoi più famosi. che, avendo perseguito invano la Regina Isotta, 50 51 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 52

si guadagnò il suo amore bevendo un filtro prima che il suo inganno venga scoperto: gondoliere. Arriva il notaio e tutti si ritirano mentre Adina cerca di dirgli che ha fatto male magico che lo rese irresistibile. l’elisir altro non è che una bottiglia di vino per assistere alla stesura del contratto di ad arruolarsi. Prima che possano continuare a Il sergente Belcore arriva con il suo platone. scadente. matrimonio. Dulcamara, invece, resta indietro parlare Giannetta e le sue compagne trascinano Fa la serenata ad Adina e prontamente la Nemorino beve il vino e rapidamente si per fare onore alle vivande di cui è ghiotto. via Nemorino. chiede in sposa, con grande disperazione di ubriaca. Tratta Adina con indifferenza, Nemorino ha visto arrivare il notaio. Dulcamara rivela ad Adina come Nemorino Nemorino. Adina, peraltro, non l’accetta convinto che ben presto l’elisir farà il suo Implora Dulcamara di vendergli ancora un po’ ha acquistato l’elisir per conquistare il suo immediatamente: Belcore non si è ancora effetto. L’atteggiamento di Nemorino di elisir, ma non ha più denaro. Dulcamara cuore. Adina si accorge di essersi comportata in meritato il suo amore. Adina invita Belcore e il sorprende e irrita Adina la quale, quando esige pagamento in contanti e dice a Nemorino maniera crudele, e di essere innamorata di suo platone ad assaggiare il vino locale e i Belcore riprende a corteggiarla, accetta senza che partirà dal paese fra quindici minuti. Nemorino. Dulcamara le offre un filtro per contadini ritornano alla mietitura. Nemorino indugio la sua proposta dicendogli che lo Appare Belcore che suggerisce a Nemorino una riconquistarlo, ma ella preferisce usare la sua richiama Adina e le dichiara la sua ardente sposerà dopo sei giorni. Nemorino deride i loro facile soluzione dei suoi problemi: si arruoli nel capacità di seduzione. Nemorino torna in cerca passione, ma Adina gli dice che il suo affetto è piani, sicuro che l’elisir gli garantirà l’amore di suo reggimento e riceverà venti scudi. Belcore di Adina: mentre stava civettando con le follia. Piuttosto, farebbe meglio ad andare in Adina la mattina dopo. Arrivano nuovi ordini descrive la splendida vita del soldato e il ragazze del villaggio ha scorto una furtiva città per prendersi cura del suo ricco zio per Belcore: dovrà lasciare il villaggio il giorno disperato Nemorino acconsente e corre a lacrima negli occhi di Adina: dunque la ragazza malato, tanto più che lei stessa è volubile e seguente. Adina, infuriata adesso alla reazione cercare Dulcamara. è innamorata di lui. Quando Adina appare, cambia idea di continuo. Ciononostante di Nemorino ai suoi progetti, anticipa il Nemorino finge indifferenza. Ella gli dice che Nemorino giura di amarla fino alla morte. matrimonio a quella sera stessa. Nemorino la All’esterno, nel cortile della fattoria lo ha riscattato dal suo contratto di implora di aspettare fino alla mattina dopo, ma Giannetta e le ragazze del villaggio hanno arruolamento e gli confessa di amarlo. La piazza del paese senza risultato. Adina invita tutti al suo appreso che lo zio di Nemorino è morto Fa per allontanarsi, ma Nemorino le chiede Più tardi, nella piazza del villaggio, il ciarlatano banchetto di nozze e tutti si burlano di lasciandogli un patrimonio. Appare Nemorino se non ha altro da aggiungere. Lei dice di no e ambulante Dottor Dulcamara, descrive a un Nemorino, il quale teme che tutti i suoi piani e le donne si affollano intorno a lui, il giovane replica con rabbia, dicendo che si attempato gruppo di persone le mirabolanti vadano in fumo. corteggiandolo. Nemorino pensa che l’elisir arruolerà comunque. Di fronte a questo la qualità terapeutiche delle pozioni e degli elisir stia finalmente facendo effetto: la notizia della ragazza non riesce più a trattenersi: ammette il di sua invenzione, riuscendo a venderne alcuni Atto II sua eredità non è ancora giunta fino a lui. suo amore per Nemorino e si dichiara sua per esemplari. Il gruppo si disperde. Nemorino Banchetto di nozze alla fattoria di Adina Adina e Dulcamara entrano, stupiti ambedue sempre. chiede a Dulcamara il filtro d’amore di Al banchetto per festeggiare le nozze di Adina e delle attenzioni di cui Nemorino è oggetto. Ritornano Dulcamara, Belcore e i paesani. Tristano che Dulcamara gli vende alacremente. Belcore, Dulcamara canta con Adina una Dulcamara comincia a credere che il suo filtro Belcore accetta la necessità di rinunciare ad Dulcamara spiega a Nemorino che il filtro barcarola nella quale si racconta la storia di una sia magico davvero e Adina confessa a sé stessa Adina, Dulcamara rivela ai presenti l’eredità diviene efficace dopo ventiquattrore. Ciò darà fanciulla che respinge un facoltoso pretendente di voler bene a Nemorino. Giannetta e le ricevuta da Nemorino e subito afferma che il al dottore il tempo di allontanarsi dal villaggio per sposare il suo vero amore, un giovane ragazze invitano Nemorino a ballare con loro suo elisir non porta solo amore ma anche 52 53 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 54

ricchezza. Alcuni paesani comprano le bottiglie Mary Plazas ha studiato al Royal Northern Music, dove ha vinto il concorso Webster Gianni Schicchi, Don Pasquale, così come quelli di vino scadente che sono rimaste e Dulcamara College of Music con una borsa di studio della Booth/Esso, la medaglia d’oro Curtis e la borsa di Dulcamara (L’elisir d’amore), Don Alfonso se ne va sulla sua carrozza, accompagnato dalle fondazione Peter Moores, e presso il National di studio della fondazione Peter Moores. Di (Così fan tutte) e Varlaam (Boris Godunov). acclamazioni e dal giubilo universale. Opera Studio dove ha vinto nel 1991 la recente ha pure vinto il prestigioso concorso I suoi dischi includono Il caso Makropulos, e Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship. Ha lirico RANIERI I Cestelli, promosso Don Pasquale, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Tosca e © 1999 Chandos Records Ltd debuttato nella parte della Voce Celeste nel dall’Opera Nazionale di Amburgo. La bohème (per la Chandos/Peter Moores Traduzione: Marcella Barzetti Don Carlos per l’English National Opera; dal Attualmente è primo baritono dell’English Foundation). 1995 al 1998 ha fatto parte degli interpreti di National Opera, dove i suoi ruoli hanno Diplomatosi presso il Royal Northern College rango principale di questa compagnia. I suoi incluso Belcore, Lescaut (Manon), Zurga Helen Williams ha studiato al Royal Northern of Music con una borsa di studio della ruoli hanno incluso la parte di protagonista ne (Les Pêcheurs de perles), Sharpless (Madama College of Music ed ha debuttato al Festival di fondazione Peter Moores, Barry Banks si è La volpe astuta, Adina, Mimì, Leila, Nannetta, Butterfly), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) e Cecil Glyndebourne nella parte di Sashka (The affermato come uno dei più insigni tenori della Michaela, Marzelline (Fidelio) e Susanna. Ha (Maria Stuarda). Ha inoltre cantato Don Electrification of the Soviet Union). Altri ruoli sua generazione. Le sue interpretazioni hanno inoltre cantato con la Royal Opera Covent Giovanni per la Calgary Opera, il Nostromo includono Emmie (Albert Herring) per la incluso Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) per Garden, la Metropolitan Opera, Opera North, (Billy Budd) per l’Opéra national de Paris- tournée della Glyndebourne Festival Opera a l’English National Opera, il ruolo di Glyndebourne Touring Opera e Garsington Bastille, e Antonio in esecuzioni in forma Roma. Dalinda (Ariodante) e Amor (Orfeo ed protagonista ne Le Comte Ory per la Opera e in altre sedi. Recentemente è apparsa a d’oratorio della Linda di Chamounix. Euridice) con l’English National Opera, Yvette Glyndebourne Touring Opera ed in Candide Tel Aviv con la Nuova opera israeliana ne The (La rondine) per la Royal Opera, e la prima per la Chicago Lyric Opera, Edgardo (Lucia di Rake’s Progress, in Flight per Glyndebourne e Andrew Shore è riconosciuto come il primo mondiale di Hey Persephone! ai festivals di Lammermoor) per la Welsh National Opera, Glyndebourne Touring Opera ed in Powder baritono buffo britannico. Ha cantato per tutte Aldeburgh e dell’Almeida. Tamino (Der Zauberflöte) al Festival di Her Face per l’Almeida Opera. In televisione ha le maggiori compagnie britanniche, fra queste Salisburgo, La Monnaie e Leipzig Opera, cantato ne Le nozze di Figaro del’Opera la English National Opera, la Royal Opera La carriera vocale di Geoffrey Mitchell si Glyndebourne Touring Opera e Scottish Factory, e in Dido and Aeneas (Prima Maga), Covent Garden, Opera North, Glyndebourne distingue per il repertorio eccezionalmente Opera, Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore) e Argirio anche per Chandos. I suoi dischi includono Festival Opera, Scottish Opera e Welsh ampio, che va dalla musica antica a quella (Tancredi) per la Frankfurt Opera, e Tom Maria, regina d’Inghilterra di Pacini per Opera National Opera. All’estero ha cantato con contemporanea. Tale fatto gli ha fruttato Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress) per la Rara, L’Enfant et les sortilèges e Marguerite la San Diego Opera, Nuova opera israeliana, numerosi inviti della BBC ad esibirsi nel ruolo Metropolitan Opera ed il Festival (Faust) (per la Chandos/Peter Moores l’Opéra national de Paris-Bastille e l’Opéra di direttore e, in seguito, un’attività più strawinskiano della BBC. I suoi dischi Foundation). comique di Parigi, ed a Nantes, Montpellier, impegnativa in sintonia con propri cantanti includono La bohème, Un ballo in maschera e Amsterdam, Vancouver e Ottawa. I suoi nonché la consequente formazione del La calisto e Don Pasquale (per la Chandos/Peter Ashley Holland ha studiato all’Università di numerosi ingaggi hanno compreso i ruoli di Geoffrey Mitchell Choir. Dopo le prime Moores Foundation). Warwick e al Royal Northern College of protagonista di Wozzeck, Falstaff, King Priam, registrazioni su disco il complesso ha potuto 54 55 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 56

stabilire regolari rapporti di lavoro con la David Parry ha studiato con Sergiu diretto con grande successo A Midsummer Ha iniciso numerosi dischi per Opera Rara, compagnia Opera Rara, per la quale ha Celibidache ed ha iniziato la sua carriera come Night’s Dream di Britten. fra questi il più recente è quello di Rosmonda registrato ben 15 opere. Attualmente gode di assistente di Sir John Pritchard. Ha fatto il suo Fuori d’Europa David Parry si è esibito al d’Inghilterra di Donizetti, che ha vinto il Priz crescente reputazione grazie agli ulteriore debutto con l’English Music Theatre ed è poi festival internazionale di Hong Kong, con Cecilia in Belgio; per Chandos ha diretto incarichi ricevuti dalla BBC e dalle case diventato direttore stabile della Städtische l’orchestra sinfonica UNAM a Città del l’acclamato disco della Tosca, tre dische di discografiche internazionali. Bühnen Dortmund e di Opera North. Dal Messico e in una serie di rappresentazioni della grandi arie operistiche (con Bruce Ford, Diana 1983 al 1987 è stato direttore artistico di Carmen in Giappone. Nel 1996 ha diretto Montague e Dennis O’Neill), Faust, Don Con la constituzione della Philharmonia Opera 80 e dal 1992 Direttore Musicale Kát’a Kabanová in un nuovo allestimento per il Pasquale, La bohème, Cavalleria rusticana, Orchestra Walter Legge realizzò il suo grande fondatore del festival di opera contemporanea festival della Nuova Zelanda. Pagliacci e brani del Rosenkavalier. sogno di creare un complesso di classe dell’Almeida Opera. internazionale con strumentisti selezionati Svolge un’intensa attività sia nel teatro lirico rigorosamente. L’orchestra, che diede il primo sia in campo sinfonico. Il suo repertorio da va concerto nell’ottobre del 1945 sotto la Mozart e l’opera italiana del Ottocento a bacchetta di Sir Thomas Beecham, si affermò Janácˇek e Britten e la musica contemporanea. ben presto come uno tra i complessi mondiali In Inghilterra ha diretto frequentemente alla di effettiva grandezza. La Philharmonia, da English National Opera ed in concerti tempo associata a numerosi direttori di fama sinfonici con la Philharmonia. Nel 1996 ha internazionale, è senz’altro il complesso debuttato al festival di Glyndebourne con Così sinfonico con il maggior numero di fan tutte. registrazioni discografiche all’attivo (oltre Dirige spesso in Spagna nella maggior parte mille), che includono alcune opere per la Peter dei teatri lirici e con orchestra sinfoniche. Ha Moores Foundation/Opera Rara. La sua diretto la prima spagnola di Peter Grimes a posizione di “principale orchestra londinese” è Madrid e nel 1996 il primo allestimento dovuta all’energia, all’incomparabile intensità spagnolo della Rake’s Progress, ha inaugurato sonora e all’impegno con cui commissiona ed due nuove sale di concerti con la Nona esegue opere musicale di eminenti compositori sinfonia di Beethoven ed un nuovo teatro lirico contemporanei, come quelle del defunto con la Carmen. Altre tournées l’hanno portato Witold Lutoslawski, di Sir Harrison Birtwistle in Italia, dove ha diretto Ricciardo e Zoraide al e di James MacMillan, ospite della Festival Rossini di Pesaro, in Francia, Philharmonia Orchestra. Germania, Belgio, Olanda, e Svezia dove ha 56 57 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 58

Andrew Shore as Dr Dulcamara Photographs from the 1998 ENO production, which moved the setting to a modern-day communist-block country.

Ashley Holland as Belcore and Mary Plazas as Adina

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Barry Banks as Nemorino and Ashley Holland Mary Plazas and Barry Banks

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COMPACT DISC ONE Oh, I wish I could discover Adina Adina (reading) How to gain a woman’s love. It’s the history of Tristan, ‘He scarce a drop had tasted, Act One Who can teach me how to gain Who for love did pine and sigh. Its warmth inside him stealing, a woman’s love? etc. When Queen Isolda’s feeling Scene 1 Giannetta and Harvesters Was changed by magic art. The entrance of Adina’s farm. Giannetta and Harvesters Read it, read it, read it, read it. So the reaper and his neighbour Fond love began to seize her, 1 No. 1: Prelude and Introduction May be cooled in easy fashion… Upwards it seemed to waft her. Nemorino (aside) Tristan alone could please her, Giannetta and Harvesters Nemorino I think I’ll listen, and perhaps Then and forever after! 2 After long and heavy labour, Ah! Who can teach me? I’ll catch her eye. And Tristan blessed the power, When the sun on high is shining, Which gained him Isolda and her heart.’ How we love to lie reclining, Giannetta and Harvesters Adina (reading) Where the branches hang above. But when hearts awake to passion 5 ‘Lovely was Queen Isolda, Who’d imagine such a potion So the reaper and his neighbour None can cool the flame of love. etc. And handsome Tristan wooed her. Bringing love by guarantee? May be cooled in easy fashion; Nemorino But vainly he pursued her, I would win a life’s devotion But when hearts awake to passion Ah! How to gain a woman’s love? She stood aloof and apart. Were the secret known to me. None can cool the flame of love. etc. How to gain a woman’s love? But then a kindly sorcerer, Who saw his deep emotion, Giannetta and Harvesters Both in sowing and in reaping, Giannetta and Harvesters May our life contented prove! etc. Brewed him a magic potion Who’d imagine such a potion Both in sowing and in reaping Filled with the power of love. Bringing love by guarantee? Cavatina May our life contented prove! etc. And soon the fair Isolda I would win a life’s devotion To Tristan gave her heart.’ Were the secret known to me. Nemorino (watching Adina) Nemorino Oh, how lovely, how delightful! 3 How delightful, how enchanting! Who’d imagine such a potion Can I gain her tender love? etc. Adina and Nemorino Just to see her I’m filled with rapture. Bringing love by guarantee? I would win a… But how can I hope to capture Cavatina I would win a life’s devotion One so wise as well as fair? Adina Were the secret known to me. Giannetta and Harvesters Always reading, studying and learning, Ha, ha, ha, ha! I would win a… She devours every book in creation. Nemorino, Giannetta and Harvesters 4 That’s a really happy ending Who’d imagine such a potion But I lack an education, To a most unusual story! Adina and Nemorino I can only stand and stare! Bringing love by guarantee? …life’s devotion… Ah, how lovely, how delightful! Giannetta and Harvesters I would win a life’s devotion Ah, how delightful, how enchanting! etc. Is it really? Won’t you tell us? Were the secret known to me. etc. Giannetta and Harvesters Must I only stand and stare? Does it tell of love and glory? More please! We are waiting! …life’s devotion… 62 63 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 64

Adina and Nemorino Adina Adina Adina …were the secret… Truly gallant! Gallant sergeant, not quite so hasty. These men are so presumptuous, We must walk before we run! With self-congratulations, Giannetta and Harvesters Nemorino And victory celebrations, …were the secret… How can I bear it? Nemorino When halfway through the fight. Can I bear it if she takes him? Adina and Nemorino Belcore The target you are aiming for All my hopes will be undone! …known to me. etc. Do I see that you’re affected? Is not yet in your sight! etc. Can I feel your passion growing stronger? Belcore Giannetta and Harvesters That is hardly unexpected, Why this delay now? Nemorino …known to me. etc. I’m a charmer, and what’s more I’m a sergeant. Just name the day now! If only I were braver, Every lady, pure or shady, If only I were clever! Scene 2 Feels the soldier’s great attraction. Adina It’s just the same as ever, (A drum sounds. Enter Belcore.) Beauty yields to men of action Not so hasty! My tongue is dumb with fright. Not so hasty! 6 Marziale At the call of love’s alarms. If only I were braver, etc. Belcore Why must I always hesitate? Cavatina Adina Very gallant! Why delay now? Name the day now! Why can’t I speak outright? etc. Belcore Just name the day, my dearest treasure! 7 To the one who shines in beauty, Giannetta Belcore Nemorino Let me offer fairest flowers, Yes, you’re lucky. Declare that you surrender now, They will truly be undone. Nourished here by sun and showers Belcore Why insist on this delay now? To be worthy of your charms. Beauty yields to men of action Adina Oh, won’t you name the day now? And as I present my duty, At the call of love’s alarms. Not so hasty, not so hasty. Adina, won’t you name the day now? I lay siege to your affection. Wed in haste, repent at leisure! Declare that you surrender. Place your heart in my protection Nemorino The victor claims his right. And accept a soldier’s arms! What shall I do? Belcore Lay down your arms, surrender now. Let’s gather rosebuds while we may. The victor shall not lose his right. etc. Adina Belcore What need of doubt or feigning? Don’t you think he’s rather gallant? Beauty yields to men of action In loving or campaigning Adina At the call of love’s alarms. An overhasty marriage Giannetta Delay is worse than flight! 8 To me were no delight. etc. Very much so. If you love me as I love you, Declare that you surrender now, Then away with delay and deadlock! The victor claims his right, his right, I’m in no hurry. Harvesters Choose the day which will declare us Declare that you surrender now, The target you are aiming for, Oh, she’s lucky. Man and wife in lawful wedlock. The victor claims his right! etc. Is not yet in your sight. etc.

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Giannetta Belcore Nemorino Nemorino Oh, won’t it be a funny thing I should love to. What’s that to me? What must I do? If after her disdaining, Lucky me, a family guest! Adina Adina Oh, won’t it be a funny thing Oh, very well then – you want to die of hunger! Try not to love me. If he with bold campaigning Adina (to the harvesters) Time to go back to work now. Let your grief be soon forgot. Should drop Adina quite. Nemorino We have wasted too much time. But she’s a sly one, No, I’m dying of love, Nemorino No more distractions. A very sly one. It’s just as painful. Oh, Adina! No, I cannot. She’ll put his plan to flight, Harvesters She’ll put his plan to flight. etc. Adina Adina All right. We’ll go. Listen: Can’t you try it? Why not? Harvesters (Exeunt all but Nemorino and Adina.) I can trust you, I can respect you, Why not? Why not? Oh, won’t it be a funny thing Unlike a certain sergeant Nemorino If after her disdaining, Scene 3 Who thinks all women are his easy victims. Why not? Why not? Oh, won’t it be a funny thing No. 2: Scene and Duet And so, I tell you plainly, Ask the constant flowing waters If he should trap her quite. It’s quite useless to try and make me love you. Of the streamlet and the river, But no she’s such a sly one, Nemorino I have a fickle nature, Spare me a moment, Adina! Why they seek the sea forever A very sly one. And any longing, Though ’tis there that they must die. She’ll put his plan to flight, Adina Which I feel for a moment, They will say ’tis love that draws them, Is soon abandoned. She’ll put his plan to flight. etc. 10 The same old tedious passion! Though they know no reason why, The usual sighs and tears! Nemorino Though they know no reason why. Recitative You would do better to go Adina! Is love so cruel? Adina To your uncle’s house in the city Belcore What’s your meaning? Since I hear that he’s ill, Adina 9 Too soon, my lovely creature, And that it’s serious. No, love’s a phantom. Nemorino We must be off to duty. 11 For example, ask the breezes, I’ll die as they do, But may I ask you to let my weary soldiers Nemorino Why mid lilies and mid roses There’s no other fate I see. Take a few moments’ rest? I’m the one who is suffering more than my uncle! Their affection never reposes I cannot leave the village, But will stray from flower to flower. Adina Adina And you know the reason. They will tell you that their nature, Love another, as well you may do. They’re very welcome. Is to change with every hour. Nemorino Adina We should count it an honour ’Tis their nature, ’tis their nature There is no such hope for me, But if he dies and leaves his wealth to others? If you’d sample our wine, our local best. To change with every hour. No hope for me, no hope for me.

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Adina Nemorino Nemorino Cavatina 12 Such affection is but folly. No, no, I die for you. Till I die, until the day I die. etc. Dulcamara Do as I do, ever gaily. I die, I die for you. Adina 14 Attention! Attention! You country folk! Think no more of melancholy, Adina No, no, no. Do as I do, Be silent! Pay attention! Learn to change your lover daily. Love another. And remain as light of heart as I. etc. I’m sure I need not inform you all Love may come and love may leave you, Of whom you see before you. For we meet it everywhere. Nemorino (Exeunt Adina and Nemorino.) A doctor anatomical, Yet I know it cannot grieve me, No! Physician astronomical. For my heart is light as air. etc. Scene 4 Adina The village square. From here to the Sahara Nemorino I won’t stop you. Renowned is Dulcamara. Ah! You alone are all I long for, No. 3: Chorus and Cavatina For my skill with my cases You alone who haunt my vision. Nemorino Is known in all the universe No, I shall die for you. Women You alone my love is strong for, 13 What’s the meaning of that kind of fanfare? And… and… in other places. Stronger far than your derision. Adina I clear out all the hospitals Though you wear your heart so lightly You die for me? You die for me? Men By curing all diseases. And you mock me when I sigh, Such affection is but folly. Most unusual! Just wait till you see who is arriving! No malady can baffle me Yet my love for you burns brightly. Do as I do, ever gaily. With his carriage of gold, I am quite sure From broken legs to sneezes. I shall love you until I die. Think no more of melancholy. He’s a man of importance. The cure for all and sundry Oh, so noble and proud in his bearing, Is the medicine I have got. Adina Learn to change your lover daily. So proud in his bearing! Come buy of me, come buy of me. No, no, no. Nemorino Oh, so grand are the clothes he is wearing, It will not cost a lot. Nemorino Though you wear your heart so lightly The clothes he is wearing! Come buy of me, come buy of me. Till I die. And you mock me when I sigh, Don’t wait until you rot. etc. Yet my love for you burns brightly. Villagers Adina I shall love you until I die. He is rich and is able to show it, It cures all kinds of toothache No, no, no. He’s a baron, a marquis, I know it. etc. Or a painful irritation. Adina Some great noble who pays us a visit, It drives away pneumonia, Nemorino No, no, no. Duke or prince if I’m not incorrect. etc. Relieves your constipation. Till I die, until the day I die. etc. Yes, look there, he is coming towards us. Nemorino It’s all authenticated. Adina Take your hats off and show your respect. etc. Till I die. I’ve letters signed and dated No, no, no. Do as I do, From grateful former sufferers, And remain as light of heart as I. Adina Scene 5 Who swear I speak the truth. Love another. No, no, no. (Dulcamara appears.) My learning academical, 68 69 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 70

Both physical and chemical, Asthmatical, hysterical, Dulcamara Dulcamara Enabled me to brew it, Bronchitical, paralytical, Then observe! This mighty potion, Ah, because I love my neighbours, As only I can do it. Rheumatical, scorbutical, Which renews a man or beast, I delight to do them good. Even a man of seventy Of pellicle or cuticle, I could sell the whole world over By this regains his youth. And all the smartest illnesses, For ten florins at the least. Villagers A man of over seventy Which folk in town have got. But if you would like to savour Yes, he treats us Regains his lusty youth. For pellicle or cuticle, Its electrifying flavour, As no other doctor would. ’Twould hardly be surprising Rheumatical, scorbutical, Then I’ll only ask three florins. Dulcamara To see a dead man rising Asthmatical, hysterical, Yes, for you I do a favour. I delight… yes, I delight… If but one drop of this were poured Dyspeptical, cholerical, For ’tis clear as stars in heaven, Between his tongue and tooth. Come all you gallant gentlemen, Villagers Three from ten will leave you seven. Come all you pretty ladies, …as no other doctor would. Seven florins are your profit, Villagers The medicine that I’m selling, As you all have understood. etc. Oh! Will cure you like a shot. Dulcamara …I delight to do them good. Dulcamara Come young and old and buy of me, Villagers Come all of high and low degree, You ladies growing elderly, Yes, that’s true. Indeed, I’ll take it. etc. Villagers Come buy the sovereign remedy, With foreheads that are wrinkling, Oh, what learning went to make it. etc. …as no other doctor would. Shampoo with what I sell to you. Which I alone have got. Dulcamara Be pretty in a twinkling! Come on, it will not cost a lot, etc. Dulcamara Take it, You girls around my carriage, Ah, I love my suffering neighbours, The ingredients are rarer, Three florins. D’you wish for happy marriage? And delight to do them good. Than the costliest of spices. Step forward, Young men, whate’er your trade is, You will ask me, tell us quickly, Three florins. Villagers D’you want to please the ladies? Tell us quickly what the price is. No other would. Then buy the sovereign remedy, Eighty florins? No! Forty? No! Twenty? Villagers Which I alone have got. At that I could sell plenty. Oh, how generously he treats us, Dulcamara It will not cost a lot, etc. But since you have been so pleasant, As no other doctor would. etc. Ah, I love my suffering neighbours, Come all you lads and lasses, I shall make you all a present, And delight to do them good. Dulcamara Come sirs and pretty ladies, And to all who buy a bottle, To do them good, etc. Come buy my sovereign remedy, Seven florins I’ll donate. Ah, because I love my neighbours, It will not cost a lot. I delight to do them good. Villagers Villagers I’m sure no other doctor would, etc. For all complaints cholerical, Seven florins! Oh, how generous! Villagers Dyspeptical, arthritical, We’ve no need to hesitate. Oh, how generous, how very generous… (Exeunt Villagers.)

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Scene 6 Nemorino Nemorino Nemorino Recitative Have you really? Thank you kindly. Oh, thank you kindly. Right. You have made me so contented. Nemorino Dulcamara With a potion, the best invented, Dulcamara 15 Have courage! Perhaps this doctor was sent by Yes, yes indeed. I can say goodbye to care. When you’re ready, you may taste it. fate It’s a thing which many people seem to need. Thank you kindly. Thank you kindly. etc. Nemorino To help me with Adina, Right. To stop her keeping me at such a distance. Nemorino Dulcamara He has the brains to give me expert assistance. Oh, how lucky! And you supply it? On my travels here and yonder, Dulcamara (to Dulcamara) There’s a fool where’er I wander. etc. Dulcamara But be careful you do not waste it. Good doctor, beg your pardon, but am I right in Why, of course. I sell it daily. thinking Nemorino Nemorino Thank you kindly. Thank you kindly. Right. You understand the passions? Nemorino You have made me so contented. At what price do people buy it? Dulcamara With a potion, the best invented, Dulcamara Quite correct, sir. I can say goodbye to care. etc. And the benefit I promised, Dulcamara Will arrive without delay. etc. Medical science plumbs to the depth of nature. Very cheaply. Dulcamara They will certainly arrive without delay. Nemorino With that little laddie there, Nemorino Nemorino Then can you let me have I’ve seen nothing to compare. Cheaply? Will they really? The potion that aroused the passions of Queen I’ve seen nothing, truly nothing, Isolda? Dulcamara Truly nothing to compare… etc. Dulcamara That is, according… One day of waiting, Dulcamara Nemorino Then you’ll find it’s operating. Nemorino What? Who? Speak plainly! Just a moment, if you please, sir. (By that time I shall be out of here For a florin? I have no more. Just a moment, if you please, sir. And fifty miles away.) No. 4: Duet What’s the proper way to take it? Dulcamara Nemorino Nemorino Just the sum I sell it for. Dulcamara 16 It was Tristan who employed it And the flavour? To awaken love’s desiring. Nemorino Hold the bottle very firmly And remember first to shake it. Dulcamara Here’s the money, you are welcome. etc. You will love it. Dulcamara Then uncork it, but be careful Ah, why yes! I follow exactly. Dulcamara To prevent evaporation Nemorino I have just what you’re requiring. Go, Sir Tristan, drink your liquor. Of the magic distillation. I will love it?

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Dulcamara Nemorino Nemorino Oh, lovely! Delicious! You will love it. Take my solemn word of honour, Never fear, sir. I’ll have another. (Beaujolais, bought yesterday!) Not a soul shall hear the tale. Oh, what a warm sensation Dulcamara Flowing through my body. Nemorino Dulcamara It’s illegal to supply it. Perhaps she also, Thank you kindly. Oh, thank you kindly. Remember! Nemorino She may begin to feel it You have made me so contented. Nemorino All is clear, sir. In her blood as in my own. With a potion, the best invented, Take my solemn word of honour. Yes, I am certain I can say goodbye to care. Rest assured, I shall not fail. Dulcamara That the lovely Adina Thank you kindly. Thank you kindly. etc. (By tomorrow, never doubt it, Shares my reaction Dulcamara I’ll have disappeared from view.) etc. Dulcamara Drink it up and you’ll be mellow. And feels within her heart But with that little laddie there, You’re a fortunate young fellow, Nemorino My great attraction. I’ve seen nothing to compare. (Smiling fortune my plan has aided. For tomorrow every woman Tralarallara. La, la, la, la. I’ve seen nothing, truly nothing, Could be deep in love with you. Hopes that faded now shall rise anew.) etc. Truly nothing to compare. etc. Drink it up and you’ll be mellow. etc. (as Nemorino makes to leave) (Exit Dulcamara.) Scene 8 Nemorino Just a moment! Come! Listen! (Enter Adina.) Ah! Good doctor, by heavens above me, Scene 7 Nemorino One alone I wish to love me. No. 5: Finale I Adina Yes, doctor? And no other, despite her beauty, 18 Recitative Who is that madman? Dulcamara Could persuade me to be untrue. It can’t be! It’s Nemorino! Mum’s the word. Keep quiet, quiet. (Smiling fortune my plan has aided. Nemorino So lighthearted? But why? 17 Tell no one. Keep quiet. Hopes that faded now rise anew.) etc. Magical potion! I have you! This is such a powerful liquor, Dulcamara Yes, here I hold you. Nemorino It’s illegal to supply it. (By tomorrow, never doubt it, How strong must be the power dwelling in you, Tra, la, la. I’ll have disappeared from view.) etc. For, though I haven’t drunk you, (He sees her.) Nemorino Go and drink my distillation. Such joyous feelings fill my heart already. (The devil! It’s her! Oh! You’ll enjoy a new sensation. It really is a pity But no, I’ll let her be. Dulcamara From tomorrow every woman To have to wait a day With sighs and pleading I need weary her no Yes, I am afraid it isn’t legal to supply it. Will be deep in love with you. For the potion to take effect longer. If it came to public knowledge, (By tomorrow, never doubt it, And end my troubles. No more! Then we both should be in jail. I’ll have disappeared from view.) etc. Down with it. Tomorrow she must give me her heart, Therefore, tell no one. But be sure to keep it quiet. (He drinks.) Though she now despise me.) 74 75 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 76

Adina Adina Adina Adina (Why, he seems quite indifferent! (He plans to cast the chains away, Indeed? A transformation. (Enslaving him and binding him, This does surprise me!) But they grow ever stronger. But shortly we shall see. To do as I design.) Enslaving him and binding him, Duet Nemorino To do as I design.) etc. Nemorino Yes, by tomorrow. Nemorino (Indeed she shall be mine. 19 Trallarallara, la, la, la. etc. Nemorino Adina Indeed she shall be mine.) (Oh, let her laugh, mock at me,) etc. We shall see. We shall see. Adina Adina (Perhaps he’s just pretending Adina Nemorino (To do as I design.) And still is sad at heart.) (He plans to cast the chains away,) etc. (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me, Nemorino (to Adina) Nemorino Her slave, a little longer.) Nemorino Tomorrow morning! Lallarallala, la, etc. Lallarala, la, la, la, la. Adina (As yet she doesn’t feel it.) Adina (He plans to cast the chains away, Lalleralla, la, etc. Adina You think so? How wise of you: you’re doing as I told you. But they grow ever stronger.) Adina Nemorino My good advice you’re heeding. Nemorino (He’s trying to conceal it.) One more day! One more day! (Tomorrow for a certainty, Nemorino Nemorino Tomorrow she’ll be mine.) Adina (As yet she doesn’t feel it.) Why, yes, it’s an experiment Yes? I think may be succeeding. Adina Adina (Enslaving him and binding him Nemorino (He’s trying to conceal it.) Adina To do as I design.) Yes. Nemorino So you’re no longer sighing? Nemorino Adina (Tomorrow will reveal it.) Nemorino (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me.) Yes? Adina That passion’s quickly dying. Ha, ha, ha! Adina Nemorino Adina (He plans to cast the chains away, Yes. Nemorino And all your adoration? He plans to cast the chains away,) etc. (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me, 20 (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me, Her slave, a little longer.) Her slave, a little longer. Nemorino Nemorino Tomorrow for a certainty, A minor irritation. (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me, etc. Adina Tomorrow she’ll be mine. And by tomorrow morning Tomorrow for a certainty, (He plans to cast the chains away, She laughs at me.) etc. It will not worry me. Tomorrow she’ll be mine.) But they grow ever stronger.) 76 77 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 78

Nemorino Trio Belcore Belcore (Tomorrow for a certainty, Belcore (entering) Oh, tell me, my beloved one, (How dare that donkey laugh at me, Tomorrow she’ll be mine.) In fighting or in love When shall we two be married? My offer to disparage? A slow campaign is tiring. Adina Unless he puts a stop to it, Adina I’ll kick him out of sight.) (Enslaving him and binding him Adina Immediately. To do as I design.) (What luck! Belcore’s here.) Nemorino Nemorino (Oh, heaven!) Ha, ha! That’s right. Nemorino Belcore (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me.) I’m all for rapid firing Belcore Belcore In fighting or in love. What day, then? Adina (Unless he puts a stop to it… Tran, tran, tran, tran. Adina (looking at Nemorino) (He plans to cast the chains away, Nemorino Six days hence. He plans to cast the chains away,) etc. Nemorino Ha, ha, ha, ha! (Why must he interfere?) Nemorino Belcore Adina Ah, how happy you have made me! Belcore (Oh, let her laugh and mock at me.) etc. …I’ll kick him out of sight.) (Tomorrow for a certainty, Well, sergeant, are you pleased Nemorino With the area you’ve inspected? Tomorrow she’ll be mine.) Ha, ha, ha, ha! Adina Belcore (How can he laugh so heartlessly Adina Belcore It would be hard to conquer, To hear me talk of marriage? (Enslaving him and binding him How happy you have made me! So bravely it’s protected. A fury rises in my soul, To do as I design.) Nemorino Adina As very well it might.) etc. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Nemorino And do you not consider (Indeed she shall be mine, It could be made to fall? Belcore Nemorino Indeed she shall be mine,) etc. Six days? (His clever little strategy Belcore Will finish in miscarriage! Adina Ah, would it only weaken! Nemorino He’ll find I have outwitted him (To do as I design.) etc. Adina Ha, ha, ha, ha! Before tomorrow night.) etc. Perhaps, sir, it’s weakened after all. Belcore Belcore I am happy. Scene 9 Belcore (How dare the donkey laugh at me, Belcore (offstage) Really? Can this be possible? Nemorino My offer to disparage? etc. 21 Tran, tran, tran, tran. Nemorino That’s quite all right. That’s quite all right. Unless he puts a stop to it, Tran, tran, tran, tran, tran. (Suppose my plan miscarried?) 22 Ha, ha! Of course, that’s quite all right. I’ll kick him out of sight.) etc. 78 79 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 80

Adina Belcore Nemorino Nemorino (How can he laugh so heartlessly (I’ll kick him out of sight, (Adina’s worried.) (I’m glad. To hear me talk of marriage? Unless he puts a stop to it,) etc. Aha!) Belcore A fury rises in my soul, The order’s definite. Belcore As very well it might.) Scene 10 I must obey. Darling! Nemorino (A drum is heard. Giannetta and the villagers (He’ll find I have outwitted him appear, then Belcore’s soldiers rush in.) Villagers and Soldiers Nemorino (Yes, yes, tomorrow, then it’s my turn!) Before tomorrow night. Finale – Quartet I call it rotten luck, this change of station. His clever little strategy To leave so pleasant a situation, Giannetta Belcore Will finish in miscarriage.) To leave the girls here and go away! If you will love me in all your virtue, 23 One moment, sergeant! Please, look behind you! To leave the girls here and go away! Belcore Your men are running about to find you. Why not anticipate, how could it hurt you? (Oh, how dare he! Oh, how dare he!) Belcore (to Adina) We’ll wed this evening, with merry-making! Belcore My darling, you heard it? Tomorrow I’m Adina Nemorino I’m here. What’s happened? leaving! (A fury Why this commotion? (This very evening!) Rises up, Women Adina (looking at Nemorino) Indeed, as very well it might,) etc. Soldiers To leave! So soon! A sad occasion! We’ve got a message this very minute. (At last he’s shaking.) Nemorino You are to act on it without delay. Belcore (to Belcore) (Tomorrow, Oh, think of my devoted heart, All right! This evening. Tomorrow night, Belcore (taking the letter) Forever grieving. Nemorino Indeed, before tomorrow night,) etc. It’s from the captain. This evening! Oh, Adina! (He reads it.) Villagers and Soldiers Belcore You cannot mean it? Aha! Well! A change of orders. To leave! (Yes, if he won’t put a stop to it, We must obey. I’ll kick him out of sight.) etc. To leave! No consolation! Adina Go and get ready. We’re going away. Whyever not? Adina Nemorino Villagers and Soldiers (A fury rises in my soul, (Yes, yes, tomorrow! I’m glad he’s going.) Nemorino Away, when is it? Just wait, I beg you! As very well it might. Adina Today, a fury rises in my soul,) etc. Belcore But my devotion Adina This time tomorrow. But why? Nemorino I shall be showing. (Ha, ha, ha, ha! Villagers and Soldiers I shall be faithful. Nemorino Tomorrow night,) etc. Oh, Lord! Tomorrow! This you shall learn. Wait till tomorrow. 80 81 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 82

Adina Be off now, drunken idiot! Villagers and Soldiers Nemorino But why? Since I in mercy restrain my fury, The stupid man is a fool as we can see, Oh, doctor! Oh, help me! Belcore Be off, you donkey, and say goodbye. etc. He has no gumption. Oh, how can I bear it? And what’s your business? You need not stay. Adina (aside) Yet he possesses a fool’s presumption, Adina, Giannetta, Belcore, Villagers and Soldiers You need not stay. etc. The thought of vengeance alone inspires me. Shows how stupid a man can be. He’s crazy, that’s certain. Nemorino I shall torment him and make him cry. Adina Nemorino Just till tomorrow. Just till tomorrow! The thought of vengeance, etc. I shall torment him and make him, Oh, doctor! Oh, help me! And make him cry, indeed. Adina, please not today. Nemorino Adina (aside) Oh, Adina! Help me, doctor! I shall torment him, yes. 24 Adina, think again. Delay your wedding, I shall make him cry. etc. That’s how I’ll make him pay! Or tears of misery you will be shedding. Oh, I’m wretched! Tomorrow, dearest, tomorrow Nemorino Nemorino Can you begrudge it, one day of waiting? Oh, doctor! Oh, help me! It is so fleeting, the hours will fly. You will repent it no less than I. How can you begrudge it? Tomorrow, dearest, you would repent it. Belcore One day, but one day of waiting. Giannetta, Belcore, Villagers and Soldiers You would lament it no less than I. etc. Drunken booby! Drunken booby! You would repent it no less, He’s crazy, that’s certain. Ah, no less than I. etc. Belcore You must be half-intoxicated. Adina You must be half-intoxicated, You are surely intoxicated. Belcore (That’s how I’ll make him pay!) Or crazy, to state what you have stated. Be off, you donkey. Be off, say goodbye. Since I in mercy restrain my fury, (to everyone) If I supposed you were in your senses, Adina Since I, I, My friends, I invite you to our wedding banquet. Since I restrain, restrain my fury, Then cold and dead in the dust you’d lie. I shall torment him and make him cry. Belcore Since I in mercy restrain my fury, I shall make him cry. etc. You donkey, be off, you donkey, and say goodbye. Be off, you donkey, and say goodbye. etc. And then we’ll leave dancing when daylight is Be off, you donkey, and say goodbye. etc. Giannetta done. Nemorino (aside) The stupid man! He has no gumption. Giannetta, Villagers and Soldiers The stupid man, he has no gumption. Giannetta, Villagers and Soldiers Help me, doctor! Yet he possesses a fool’s presumption. A real celebration! He thinks to challenge a valiant sergeant. etc. Yet he has a fool’s presumption. Adina He thinks to trick a valiant sergeant, Oh, won’t it be fun? Ah, show him pity. His mind is hazy. Nemorino Who won’t let such an insult by. Oh, won’t it be fun? etc. He’s rather stupid, a little crazy. You will repent it no less than I. Oh, yes, Adina, so fair and lovely, Adina He thinks I love him as he admires me, Belcore Into your arms is about to fly! etc. My friends, I invite you to our wedding banquet. And so pursues me with many a sigh. You drunken booby, you drunken booby, Adina (to Belcore) Nemorino Belcore Be off, you donkey, and say goodbye. 25 Today’s our wedding. Oh, doctor! Oh, help me! Be off! You donkey! And say goodbye. etc. Make haste to prepare it. What shall I do? etc. 82 83 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 84

Belcore Adina, Giannetta and Belcore COMPACT DISC TWO Recitative I’m ready. I’m ready. In feasting and dancing we’ll have such a party With merry carousing and laughter so merry. Act II Dulcamara Adina 2 You’ll drink to the couple and liquor shall run. Since singing is your pleasure, You’ll pay for your disdain. Scene 1 Oh, you’ll drink to the couple and liquor shall run. A little gift I’ll bring you: Adina’s farm house is set out for a banquet. Adina, Giannetta and Belcore A song in lively measure, Nemorino Which I propose to sing you. In feasting and dancing we’ll have such a party The sergeant, the fellows, the girls, all despise me. No. 6: Introductory Chorus With merry carousing and laughter so hearty. This song’s the latest favourite Adina, so cruel, will only chastise me. Belcore, Dulcamara, Giannetta and Villagers You’ll drink to the couple and liquor shall run. Among the city set. I’m crushed and deflated, a hundred to one. 1 Sing up, then. Sing up. Sing up. So let me ask the bride here, (He’s out of his senses. Oh, isn’t it fun?) Oh, doctor, come help me or all is undone. Dulcamara, Giannetta and Villagers To join me in duet. Nemorino Villagers and Soldiers Good health to you and happiness, The sergeant, the soldiers, the girls, all despise me. In feasting and dancing we’ll have such a party Good fortune and prosperity. Belcore, Giannetta and Villagers Adina, so cruel, will only chastise me. etc. We wish in all sincerity, Oh, yes, we’d love to hear it. I’m crushed and deflated, a hundred to one. With merry carousing and laughter so hearty. etc. May they be yours to keep. No pleasure could come near it. I’m crushed and deflated, a hundred to one. We’ll drink to the couple and liquor shall run. etc. We’ll all applaud and cheer it. Belcore Such pleasure we shall get. etc. Adina, Giannetta and Belcore Villagers and Soldiers To wine and lovely women In feasting and dancing we’ll have such a party In feasting and dancing we’ll have such a party I give my adoration. Barcarolle for two voices etc. With merry carousing and laughter so hearty. etc. A twin intoxication, We’ll drink to the couple and liquor shall run. Nemorino That makes my senses leap. etc. Dulcamara (reading) Yes, in feasting and dancing we’ll have such a The sergeant, the fellows, the girls, all despise ‘The Fair Maid of Venice party etc. me. etc. Villagers …And the Elderly Senator’, Sing up. Sing up. Barcarolle for two voices. Adina, Giannetta and Belcore Villagers and Soldiers Sing up. Sing up. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh, isn’t it fun? Yes, in feasting and dancing we’ll have such a Pray silence! Ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh, isn’t it fun? Adina (aside) party etc. Villagers (He’s out of his senses, Oh, where is Nemorino? Nemorino We’re ready! His senses, his senses. Oh, isn’t it fun?) etc. Help me, doctor, I beg! etc. I’d like to see him weep. Dulcamara Nemorino Adina, Giannetta, Belcore, Villagers and Soldiers Giannetta and Villagers 3 ‘I am rich and you are pretty. Oh, help! Oh, help, or all is undone! etc. (He’s out of his senses. Oh, isn’t it fun?) etc. Good health to you and happiness, Good fortune and prosperity. I have money, you have charms. Villagers and Soldiers (Nemorino rushes off. The others begin to leave, as We wish in all sincerity, Surely none in all the city (He’s out of his senses. Oh, isn’t it fun?) etc. do Adina and Belcore arm in arm.) May they be yours to keep. etc. More would suit each other’s arms.’ 84 85 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 86

Adina Villagers Adina (aside) Adina (aside) ‘How you flatter with your chatter, Thank you, doctor, for your ditty, But where is Nemorino? Oh, where is Nemorino? But this matter must be clear. Which you brought us from the city. Where can he be hiding? I’d like to see him weep. I’d reject a new protector, It’s both elegant and witty, Belcore Giannetta and Villagers For I love my gondolier.’ Fit for high society’s ear. To sign the deed we’ll hurry. Good health to you and happiness, Dulcamara Dulcamara But why that look of worry Good fortune and prosperity. ‘I’ll reward you, never fear. My renown is more than local There on that lovely forehead? We wish in all sincerity, Make me happy, Nina, dear.’ For my vocal gift so clear. etc. May they be yours to keep. etc. Adina Adina Villagers It is nothing. (All leave except Dulcamara.) ‘Those are flattering words to hear, Thank you, doctor, you’re a treasure. (aside) But I love my gondolier.’ It’s a pleasure that you’re here. Vengeance will only bore me Scene 2 Villagers Adina If I can’t see him Recitative Brava, bra… It’s a pleasure that you’re here. etc. Suffering here before me. Dulcamara 5 Dulcamara Dulcamara Belcore I always like a wedding: everyone is so charming. Pray, silence. Silence! For my vocal gift so clear. etc. Away, the notary needs us, And best of all, for as long as I am able, I indulge in the pleasures of the table. ‘Lovely maiden whom I cherish, Villagers And Cupid speeds us. Let your fancy turn to me. It’s a pleasure that you’re here. etc. Dulcamara, Giannetta and Villagers Nemorino (entering) Youthful love will quickly perish. (Enter a notary.) Sing up, then. Sing up. Sing up. I caught sight of the notary. Gold is solid property.’ Good health to you and happiness, Yes, I am certain. Recitative Wretched Nemorino, there’s no hope left for me. Adina Good fortune and prosperity. My heart is breaking. ‘How you flatter with your chatter, Belcore We wish in all sincerity, But this matter must be clear. 4 Pray silence! May they be yours to keep. Dulcamara This is the notary, No endeavour lures me ever, Belcore ‘Lovely maiden whom I cherish, Whose hand will draw the contract From my handsome gondolier.’ To wine and lovely women, Opportunity is near…’ That makes my joy complete. Dulcamara I give my adoration. Nemorino ‘Opportunity is near. Villagers A twin intoxication Why, it’s the doctor! We’re glad to meet you. Make me happy, Nina, dear.’ That makes my senses leap. etc. Dulcamara Adina Dulcamara Villagers Yes, I was kindly invited, ‘No. A constant course I’ll steer Good notary, with joy I greet you, Sing up. Sing up. By the bride and groom, With my handsome gondolier.’ Bringer of bliss and lawful love abiding. Sing up. Sing up. And I’m enjoying the celebration. 86 87 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 88

Nemorino Come back and tell me as soon as you’ve acquired Belcore Soon in fighting and privation While I’m in desperation. some. Eh? Are you brainless? I may meet with pain and sorrow. I am in mental torture. There at the inn you’ll find me, and we’ll pursue it. If that’s why you’re upset, Oh, doctor, I need to make myself loved. You’d better get a move on. Then join the army, Belcore Before tomorrow! And twenty florins you’ll get. Twenty florins! Nemorino This instant, right away! How can I do it? Nemorino Nemorino Dulcamara (aside) 7 Twenty florins! They may tell me to leave my kinsmen, (Dulcamara leaves.) Good heavens, he’s raving. Leave my country and die tomorrow. Belcore (to Nemorino) Scene 3 In ready money. Belcore Just take the potion. (Enter Belcore.) In ready money. And presto! You have it. Nemorino No. 7: Scene and Duet When? This instant? Nemorino Nemorino And then I’ll have the love of her whom I long Belcore (to himself, conversationally) Belcore But since I’m not rich or clever, for? 6 Is that not like a woman, Yes, indeed, sir. There’s no other way whatever Unpredictable always! To possess the fair Adina. Dulcamara Nemorino (aside) Adina loves me, Just one more day to make her mine. All of them: you have my promise. Oh, temptation! Says she’s happy to wed me, If you want to speed it up, Belcore Yet would postpone it A double dosage gives double power. Belcore Mid the trumpeting and drumming, Till later on this evening. (I’m off in half an hour.) And you shall go with me, Mid the marching and the fighting Where fame and glory lead, sir! Nemorino (aside) Love has found a way of coming Nemorino There is my rival! Every soldier lad delighting, Doctor, I beg you, give me another bottle. Nemorino It makes me really furious just to see him. No, for fame I am unsuited. Every soldier lad delighting. Dulcamara That’s not what I’m longing for. Belcore Nemorino Glad to oblige. What’s this? What’s the matter with that blockhead? Ah, I would ask no other blessing… I’m happy to help mankind in trouble. Belcore Hey! Hey! I say, young fellow! If it’s love, once you’re recruited, Have you the money? Belcore What is it that’s upset you? You’ll be sought by girls galore. Love need never cause him sorrow, Nemorino Ah, you’ll be eagerly sought Nemorino Here today and gone tomorrow. I’ve nothing left! By girls galore. What has upset me is that… Life is full of gay adventure Dulcamara Is that I have no money, Nemorino For a soldier of the line, My friend, in that event I’m sorry. And don’t know where to find some! Ah, no! Ah, no! Ah! For a soldier of the line.

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Nemorino If you follow my example from the start. Yes! Giannetta Women …Could I only, could I only make her mine. (aside) Much more than possible! Oh! I would ask no other blessing, etc. I’ve recruited my own rival. Women Giannetta Who’d deny that I am smart? etc. Belcore Don’t say it’s probable! But you’ll tell nobody what’s occurred. I’ve ensured my own survival, Life is full of gay adventure No, not a whisper. In the tactics of the heart. etc. Giannetta For a soldier of the line. etc. No less than probable! Women Look at me, sir. Nemorino Women No, not a word. You can see, sir. etc. I won’t blame you if you wonder But in what way, Giannetta, say? Life in uniform is fine. etc. Why I choose your life of daring, Giannetta No, not a whisper. Nemorino For you know not the heart that’s under Giannetta Twenty florins! My timidity of bearing. Softly! Women Cash in hand means joy unbounded. Women No, not a word. etc. Belcore So my freedom I resign. Who was it told you? As I promised. Giannetta (aside) And where and how? Quiet! Nemorino He himself will be confounded, When at last I make her mine. etc. Giannetta All right. I’ll do it. Don’t be so noisy, then. Women Where’s the money? Belcore Please listen quietly. Do as you’re bidden. Quiet! Belcore Love will cause no pain or sorrow We all in secrecy must keep it hidden. Giannetta and Women Just a moment. Take it steady. To a soldier of the line. Only the pedlar happened to tell me, Now Nemorino swims in the money. First the paper you must sign. Here today and gone tomorrow, And so in confidence I’ll share it now. No one will tease him or think him funny. He’s a soldier of the line. etc. Here, put a cross, then. Women The girls will willingly fetch and carry For one whom each would be glad to marry. Nemorino (Exeunt Nemorino and Belcore.) It was the pedlar, it’s always so. (Dulcamara, I must find you without delay. Then it’s believable: he’s bound to know. Giannetta Then it’s believable: etc. Now your potion shall work today.) Scene 4 But, softly, quietly. Softly, quietly. Belcore A farmyard. Giannetta Softly! Softly! Quietly! 8 Shake my hand, then, my young shaver. (Enter Giannetta and village women.) Women I am happy to recruit you. No. 8: Chorus Then let me tell you just what he said. But we’ll be silent on what’s occurred. Very soon you may be braver, Nemorino’s uncle last Tuesday dropped dead, We’ll have no whisper. No, not a word. And a man’s life I know will suit you. Village women Leaving his nephew what no one had guessed: Quiet, quiet, Soon enough you’ll get promotion, 9 Can it be possible? A fortune, a mansion, land and the rest. Quiet on what’s occurred.

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Giannetta Nemorino (about to leave) Adina and Dulcamara If other girls all favour me, Quiet. Where is she? It can’t be! Then surely Adina will.) etc. Women Giannetta Nemorino Dulcamara Quiet. Your most obedient! 11 It’s magnificent! (This spectacle amazes me. Young Women Oh, doctor! Thank you, doctor. I have no explanation. Now Nemorino swims in the money, etc. Nemorino Now, just as you have promised me, ‘Twas only wine I gave to him, Giannetta! Giannetta The girls are at my feet. When he could foot the bill.) etc. But softly, quietly. Women Adina Women Softly, quietly. Your humble servant! It can’t be. (I find him rather lovable. Women Nemorino Dulcamara I’ll draw his conversation. But we’ll be silent on what’s occurred. (What’s the reason for their courtesy? I’m very gratified. Then maybe he will marry me, We’ll have no whisper, no, not a word. What, indeed? What, indeed? (to the women) My fondest hopes to fulfil.) etc. You like him? Giannetta and Women Ah, I see it! Giannetta (to Nemorino) Quiet. Quiet. This is the consequence Giannetta and Women There in the shade No, not a whisper. No, not a word. etc. Of Dulcamara’s drink. We all adore him! They are dancing a measure. I see it, I see it,) etc. We one and all implore him, Scene 5 Shall we not join them? To make our joy complete. (Nemorino appears.) Giannetta and Women Nemorino No. 9: Quartet Oh, look at Nemorino! Adina Oh, yes, with pleasure! Oh, look at Nemorino! (I thought I would find him in misery, Nemorino He’s really quite a gentleman, But instead he is laughing and joking. Women 10 I’ve polished off two bottles now, And charming, don’t you think? Ah, this could not have happened Whom will you dance with? Just as the doctor ordered. He’s really quite a gentleman, etc. If Nemorino loved me still.) etc. He said no girl in all the world Giannetta Her favour would refuse. etc. Giannetta With me. Scene 6 Already what he gave to me (I find him rather lovable. Nemorino (Adina and Dulcamara enter from different Has cheered me and consoled me, I’ll draw his conversation. Yes. And as my hope revives again, directions. They are amazed to see all the women Then maybe he will marry me, My fears I seem to lose. courting Nemorino.) And all my hopes fulfil.) etc. Women With me. Women Nemorino Nemorino (He’s still so meek and reticent, Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! (No word can tell my ecstasy, Nemorino He can’t have heard the news.) Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! This wholly new sensation. Yes. 92 93 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 94

Giannetta Dulcamara Adina Dulcamara I am the first one. (They can’t resist him.) Please, listen. Please, listen. With love they smother him, And with devotion. Women Nemorino Adina I do believe I have It’s not decided. What would you say? I had to see you. A magic potion. Giannetta Belcore told me, Dulcamara There is no doubt of it. I made the offer. That for the sake of I’ve never known such a day. etc. A magic potion. A little money I’ll not run out of it. Women You have enlisted. Giannetta and Villagers No, I did. No, I did. Let’s make our way. Giannetta and Villagers Giannetta and Women (astonished) No more delay. She reckons easily Giannetta (to Nemorino) Enlisted? Impossible! To make a victim Come with me. Adina Of any man alive, Adina Please, listen! Once she has picked him. Nemorino You acted rashly. Gently. And there is more Nemorino (aside) Nemorino 12 I see it perfectly. Love comes to torture you Women That I need to say. I know what ails her. For all to view. etc. Decide then. Nemorino Power supernatural Dulcamara Nemorino I’m all attention. I’m all attention. Today assails her. I’ll be a wealthy man With pleasure. (to Adina) Giannetta and Villagers With all I sell them. (to Giannetta) Love comes to torture you, Come on, come on, Their eyes will tell them You for the first dance. And well you know it. And join the dancing. etc. My claims are true, ah. (to the others) And you must show it, There is no doubt of it. etc. Then you, then you. Nemorino For all to view. etc. Adina Dulcamara The charm is working. Adina (aside) (to Adina) (Swiftly and suddenly Wonder of wonders! Swiftly and suddenly My heart betrays me.) etc. My drink’s a treasure, What would you say? My heart betrays me, Instantly proving my promise true. etc. Which with impunity Giannetta and Villagers Dulcamara But this young fellow here This spectacle amazes me. etc. No more obeys me. Adina Cupid, you punish me, Will soon outfox her. Oh, Nemorino! Giannetta and Villagers Your arrow burns me. No doubt it shocks her Nemorino (aside) Come on, come on, And he who spurns me, As something new. etc. Oh, heavens! Adina! And join the dancing. etc. I must pursue. etc. (Nemorino leaves with Giannetta and the villagers.) 94 95 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 96

Scene 7 Adina What’s become, then, of Nemorino? Like a cock you might have found him, Recitative (So that’s it.) Is his love at last requited? When the hens are all around him. And so you gave some to Nemorino? (She’s quite infatuated. She’s quite infatuated. etc. Adina Dulcamara She should have my potion, too.) 13 Why should he seem so happy? Dulcamara Girls in dozens come to court him, He came to ask me, Dulcamara Flocking round him all excited. Fair Adina! Just a moment! Hoping to win the affection I take the credit. It’s a happy situation. There is hope still! Come, be cheerful! Of some hard-hearted girl. I’ve no doubt that he’s delighted. You are caught now, I can deduce it, Adina From your manner so sad and tearful. Adina Adina You take the credit! I can help you. He really loved her? (Ah! Which among them may hope to gain him? Dulcamara Dulcamara Which of them all may now detain him?) Adina And rightly. You help? How so, sir? With longing and sighing Dulcamara For joy comes at my bidding. And vows of love undying. I have rapture for sale, and love undying With a choice of ten or twenty Dulcamara And to obtain the fee on which He’s delighted there are plenty. I will tell you if you come a little closer. Is a matter of prescription. I properly insisted, Now the behaviour Like a cock you might have found him If you want to find the answer, He sold his liberty. When the hens are all around him. There’s a remedy I know. etc. Of that young man in whom you’re interested, Yes, he enlisted. Stems from my secret art, proven and tested. Adina It is very scientific No. 10: Duet (Oh, how foolishly I acted...) And the price is very low. Adina What nonsense! Adina Dulcamara Adina 14 (How he loved me! And I so cruel, (She is quite infatuated.) etc. Though its power may be terrific, Dulcamara I denied a love so true!) It is not for me, I know. You call it nonsense? You sceptic, how dare you! Adina Dulcamara Can you be ignorant of the alchemist’s lore? (...I denied a heart so true.) Dulcamara (She is quite infatuated.) Do you wish a thousand suitors And of the power Dulcamara At your feet with love expiring? Of that mysterious potion Adina (She should have my potion, too.) etc. Which captured Queen Isolda? (So cruel.) Adina Adina Adina Dulcamara (Oh, disaster! Oh, disaster! No, I only wish for one, sir, Isolda? (She should have my potion too.) I denied a heart so true.) etc. And a thousand would be tiring. Dulcamara Adina Dulcamara Dulcamara Isolda. (So cruel.) With a choice of ten or twenty, You can make all women jealous I alone possess the secrets of the mixture. (to Dulcamara) He’s delighted there are plenty. Of your fortunate position. 96 97 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 98

Adina Adina I have nothing in reply to all your female Adina Making enemies of others There’s an even better way, sir, intuition. …For my eyes will work the spell. Is no part of my ambition. When a woman hopes for marriage. With a look of love and laughter, Just you wait and Nemorino Adina With a smile and a suggestion, etc. Dulcamara Will be mine, you need not fear. Spare me, doctor! Do you want to wed a title? Dulcamara Dulcamara (aside) Dulcamara Ah! I see it! I have nothing Adina She is really far too clever. It will help you more than I will In reply to your female intuition. etc. I would hardly call it vital. There’s no need of doctors here. In achieving your ambition. Adina No, there’s no need of doctors here. etc. Dulcamara Adina For if I love I can compel, Noble suitors ten or twenty? Adina Spare me, doctor! For in my eyes I own a spell, etc. 15 With a look of love and laughter, Adina Dulcamara Dulcamara With a smile and a suggestion Nemorino will be plenty. By your beauty so abundant If I had the skill that you have, I lead the man I’m after All my skill is now redundant… That’s the medicine I would sell. etc. Dulcamara To be bold and put the question. What I sell is scientific. Though at first he be defiant, Adina (They leave.) He is mine once I have picked him. He is mine once I have picked him… Adina Very soon he’ll be compliant Scene 8 Yes, I’m sure it’s quite terrific. And a more than willing victim. Dulcamara (Enter Nemorino.) So I need no magic potion, …For you practise all the chemistry Dulcamara Of Cupid, I can tell… No. 11: Romance The result I guarantee. For my eyes will work the spell. With a look of love and laughter, Adina Nemorino Adina 16 With a smile and a suggestion, etc. …Such a willing, willing victim. Only one teardrop glistened there, I’m afraid it’s not for me. There in her lovely eye. No, not for me. etc. Dulcamara Dulcamara Jealous of all who courted me Your remedy is little use to me. Ah, I see it. I have nothing …I can very quickly tell. She could not help but cry. In reply to your female intuition. If I had the skill that you have, Dulcamara No more I need to know. Pretty rascal! Pretty rascal! That’s the medicine I would sell. What I sell, what I sell, No more I need to know. Oh, my learning! I have nothing What I sell is scientific. etc. Adina Plainly she loves me. In reply to all your female intuition. The result I guarantee. etc. So I need no magic potion… I see it, she loves me. It will help you more than I will Could I but hold her close to me, Naughty creature, are you daring, In achieving your ambition. Dulcamara Hold her as mine alone, All my science to disparage? Yes, more than I will in achieving your ambition. Ah, you sly one! For just one moment’s ecstasy 98 99 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 100

Her heart against my own. For undiluted love. Stay here! Adina So close to me, so close to me alone, (I’m sure she’ll say it.) (giving him the contract) No, no! ’Twas I deceived you, What ecstasy were then my very own! Here with your friends and countrymen, And my own heart I denied. Adina Heavens, then I could die, Here you remain respected, You alone, I swear. You alone Listen. Should fate decree it, decree it. Honoured, respected. Ah! Have my devotion. Ah! Heavens, then I, then I could surely die. Nemorino Come, do not be dejected. Nemorino Should fate decree it, then I could die. (Here it is.) No, nor be sad. No more, no. etc. Truly? I’m listening, Adina. Scene 9 Nemorino (aside) Adina Adina (Enter Adina.) How she’ll confess it. Truly, I tell you, I love you, Tell me, what was the reason Love you. No. 12: Recitative That induced you to choose the life of a soldier? Adina Goodbye, then. Nemorino Nemorino Nemorino You love me? 17 Here she is. The reason? Just the wish to be free, Nemorino She’s more beautiful still, To show my valour, What! Are you going? Adina Now that she loves me. To find adventure and enjoy a better life. Adina I love you, love you, love you! It’s my turn to be indifferent and to seem not to Why, yes. care Adina Nemorino Till she herself feels bound to approach me. Oh, Nemorino, Nemorino You? You? We should miss you and mourn you. You’ve nothing more to tell me? Ah, now I feel such ecstasy! Adina So I re-purchased the contract of enlistment, Nemorino, how are you? From Belcore. Adina Adina No, nothing. Just as I made you miserable… Nemorino Nemorino I’m so much in demand. You did? Nemorino Nemorino Young ladies and old ones, pretty and plain ones, (True love in action. The old, old story.) 19 All right. Will you love me? All want me as their husband. (throwing down the contract) Aria Take this then! Adina Adina If love will thus forsake me, …Now let me make you happy. And you? Adina 18 Take it! Then let the army take me. etc. Nemorino Nemorino Take it. I make you free again. No peace on earth is left me. The doctor did not lie. Making a decision Stay with the folk who know you. The doctor must have lied. etc. Is a difficult matter. Doubt not that life will show you Then let the army take me. Adina I’m still looking Joy and delight in store. The doctor must have lied. No. 100 101 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 102

Nemorino Belcore Was this, that the power of my marvellous draught Dulcamara Ah, now I feel such ecstasy! …Is done. Can, in a twinkling, (His carriage having reappeared on stage, he Well, Madam Flirt, you’re welcome. Not only set at rest the pains of love prepares to depart.) Adina Worse luck for you! But bring wealth to my clients. Now, good people, I must leave you. Yes, I will make you happy. I swear it. The world is full of women, Villagers But I warn you as a brother, Nemorino And in their thousands Marvel of science! Let no charlatan deceive you My darling! I’ll have their devotion. With some substitute or other. Finale For my potion serves the nation. Dulcamara Adina Dulcamara All the rest is imitation. If you’d be sure, use my exclusive potion! Forget my former cruelty 21 It will give you cheeks like peaches So remember Dulcamara, And take my love undying. Nemorino To conform with good aesthetics. Who can banish every pain. Forget my former cruelty, Most worthy doctor, to you I owe my luck, then. It improves a woman’s features Forget what now is over. Better far than her cosmetics, Villagers I take you as my lover. Villagers Cures your warts and your carbuncles We’ll remember Dulcamara. I love you ever more. You’re joking! And dispatches wealthy uncles, May he soon come back again! Forget my former cruelty, Dulcamara Makes your bees produce more honey Adina and Nemorino I’m yours for ever more. etc. To me! And from worry keeps you free. He alone has made me happy, I love you ever more. It happens that Nemorino Villagers For his wonder-working potion Has at a stroke become Oh, good doctor, here’s my money. Has been quick to ease my pain, Scene 10 The richest man for a dozen miles around Give me one or two or three. To ease my pain, etc. (Enter Dulcamara, Giannetta and villagers, Through the death of his uncle. Belcore Belcore and soldiers.) Dulcamara Adina It will soften the suspicions Why, you old pretentious humbug! No. 13: Finale II Death of his uncle? Of a husband who is jealous, Go to hell and there remain, To hell and there remain. etc. Nemorino Or relax the prohibitions Belcore Of a guardian over-zealous. 20 Halt! Right turn! Death of my uncle? Dulcamara It will bring you bonny babies Good people! By thunder! Giannetta And protect your dog from rabies God bless you! etc. Shall I present arms to my rival? I knew already. And awaken love and passion Adina Dulcamara Better far than China tea. Villagers May he soon come back again! etc. That’s how it is, Belcore. Yes, of course, as I did. Villagers I have made my decision: Nemorino’s the one. But what was known to no one, Oh, I’d like a double ration. Belcore Please don’t be angry. What is done… Saving only myself, Make it two or even three. Go to hell and there remain! 102 103 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 104

Adina, Nemorino, Dulcamara and Villagers Adina, Nemorino, Dulcamara and Villagers God bless you! God bless you! Belcore (The carriage moves off. The villagers all salute Go to hell and there remain. Dulcamara.) Go to hell! English version by Arthur Jacobs © CASA-Ricordi BMG-Ricordi S.p.A.

Mary Plazas and Barry Banks Mary Plazas and Barry Banks

104 105 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 106 Robert Workman Robert Mark Douet Mark Catherine Ashmore

Ashley Andrew Holland Shore

Barry Banks Mary Plazas

Helen Williams 106 107 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 108

Opera in English on Chandos Opera in English on Chandos CHAN 7023/4 CHAN 3000(2) CHAN 3004 CHAN 3003 CHAN 3014(3) CHAN 3007 CHAN 3022 CHAN 3008(2) 108 109 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 110

Opera in English on Chandos Opera in English on Chandos

CHAN 3010 CHAN 3017(2) CHAN 3006

CHAN 3019(3) CHAN 3013 110 111 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 112

Opera in English on Chandos Opera in English on Chandos CHAN 3023(2) CHAN 3011(2) 112 113 CHAN 3027 BOOK.qxd 24/7/07 4:21 pm Page 114

You can now purchase Chandos CDs directly from us. For further details please telephone +44 (0) 1206 225225 for Chandos Direct. Fax: +44 (0) 1206 225201. Chandos Records Ltd, Chandos House, Commerce Way, Colchester, Essex CO2 8HQ, UK Mary Plazas and Barry Banks E-mail: [email protected] website: www.chandos-records.com Any requests to license tracks from this or any other Chandos disc should be made directly to the Copyright Administrator, Chandos Records Ltd, Chandos House, Commerce Way, Colchester CO2 8HQ, UK.

Chandos 20-bit Recording The Chandos policy of being at the forefront of technology is now further advanced by the use of 20-bit recording. 20-bit has a dynamic range that is up to 24dB greater and up to 16 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings. These improvements now let you the listener enjoy more of the natural clarity and ambience of the ‘Chandos sound’.

Booklet photos of the ENO production of The Elixir of Love by Bill Rafferty Steinway concert grand provided and maintained by Steinway & Sons, London Producer Brian Couzens Sound engineer Ralph Couzens Assistant engineer Richard Smoker Editor Jonathan Cooper Operas administrator Sue Shortridge Language coach Charles Kilpatrick Recording venue Blackheath Halls, London; 7–11 February 1999 Front cover Photograph by Bill Rafferty from the English National Opera production 1998 Back cover Photograph of David Parry by Russell Duncan Design Cass Cassidy Booklet typeset by Dave Partridge Booklet editor Finn S. Gundersen Copyright © 1979 for the critical edition and © 1996 for the English version by Arthur Jacobs: CASA- Ricordi BMG-Ricordi S.p.A. P 1999 Chandos Records Ltd C 1999 Chandos Records Ltd Chandos Records Ltd, Colchester, Essex, England Printed in the EU 114 CHAN 3027(2)

SOLOISTS/PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA/PARRY DDD tenor soprano soprano baritone baritone Printed in the EU CHAN 3027(2) 1999 Chandos Records Ltd. c 2-disc set Le Philtre 1999 Chandos Records Ltd. DIGITAL p TT 59:15 COMPACT DISC TWO (1797–1848) CHANDOS assistant conductor a quack doctor...... Andrew Shore a young peasant...... Barrya young Banks a peasant girl...... Helen Williams Williams a peasant girl...... Helen a sergeant in the army...... Ashley Holland Holland a sergeant in the army...... Ashley

the wealthy owner of a farm...... Mary owner the wealthy Plazas

TT 73:20 bit 20 COMPACT DISC ONE Dr Dulcamara, Dulcamara, Dr Giannetta, Giannetta, CHANDOS RECORDS LTD. Colchester . Essex . England Gaetano Donizetti Gaetano of Love The Elixir acts in two Opera Scribe’s after Eugène Romani Felice by Libretto Arthur by Jacobs version English Nemorino, Choir Mitchell Geoffrey Orchestra Philharmonia Hancock Gareth Parry David Adina, Adina, Belcore, Belcore,

DONIZETTI: THE ELIXIR OF LOVE CHANDOS CHAN 3027(2) INLAY BACK.qxd 24/7/07 4:23 pm Page 1 24/7/07 4:23 INLAY BACK.qxd CHAN 3027(2)