Wednesday 26 November 2014

Donizetti, L'elisir d'amore, Royal Opera House



In cinemas, by live satellite transmission

A great show!

ROH introductory video

Lucy Crowe on Adina

Review

The Story

"Nemorino, a naive village boy, is besotted with Adina, a farm owner. She rejects his declarations of love. Fortunately, Doctor Dulcamara is on hand with a 'love potion' to help him win her heart.

Adina seems to remain immune to Dulcamara's potion (nothing more magical than red wine) and agrees to marry the boastful Sergeant Belcore. But she finally realizes she cares for Nemorino and admits her love. All rejoice – Dulcamara most of all, as he celebrates the proven power of his potion"
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Background

"L'elisir d'amore is one of the most frequently performed of all Donizetti's operas. It combines a touching love story and hilarious comedy with beautiful music, including the much-loved aria 'Una furtiva lagrima'. The opera’s premiere in Milan in 1832 was a triumph and secured Donizetti's place as one of the leading Italian opera composers of his day.

The Royal Opera's charming production is set in the sun-drenched countryside of 1950s Italy, complete with haystacks, Vespas and even a stray dog. It is injected with lively, visual humour, from Nemorino's tipsy clowning to Dulcamara's lumbering truck from which he sells his quack remedies. Donizetti deftly brings his characters alive with a sparkling score: Nemorino's love for Adina is expressed through lyrical arias; Adina’s animated, flamboyant style softens as her feelings towards Nemorino begin to change – and all the while Dulcamara endlessly chatters away with irrepressible self-belief".

Pavarotti: Una furtiva lagrima

Simoneau

Caruso (vocal recorded 1904)

1947 movie version

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