An encore performance of Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) is tonights Opera House offering, hosted by the late Al Ruocchio (1937-2007). One of the composer’s best-loved works, it’s almost an opera semiseria rather than an opera buffa, as it contains both moments of real pathos and one of the greatest of all buffo roles: Doctor Dulcamara. Written in haste in a six-week period, LElisir dAmore was first performed on May 12, 1832 in Milan, and it continues to be one of the most frequently performed of all Donizettis operas. Nemorino (tenor Luciano Pavarotti) is distracted by his inability to win the heart of the capricious landowner Adina (soprano Joan Sutherland), and is further put out when she agrees (partly to spite him) to marry the bumptious Sergeant Belcore (baritone Dominic Cossa). The ambulant quack Dulcamara (bass Spiro Malas) arrives proclaiming his miraculous nostrums and, in desperation, Nemorino asks him for a love potion. Dulcamara sells him a bottle of Bordeaux wine with a hastily affixed label. Nemorino’s subsequent inebriated behavior annoys Adina, who agrees to marry Belcore forthwith. Nemorino is desperate for a second bottle to provide an immediate effect but, having no money, enlists in the army with Belcore and buys another bottle with his pay. Meanwhile, Gianetta (soprano Maria Casula) and the other girls have learned that Nemorino’s uncle has died and left him a fortune. They suddenly discover how handsome he is! Nemorino, ignorant of his uncle’s death, puts their attentions down to the effect of the potion. Adina, miffed by Nemorino’s new indifference to her, purchases his release from the army and finally admits that she loves him. The two are united and Dulcamara, claiming all the credit, does a brisk trade in love potions. Richard Bonynge conducts the English Chamber Orchestra and the Ambrosian Opera Chorus in this 1970 Decca/London recording.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 23:07:54 +0000
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