Home > L'elisir d'amore Donizetti, G. (1797-1848) L'elisir d'amore The Elixir of Love Composed 1832. First performed May 12, 1832. Libretto by Felice Romani (in Itarian), after Scribe and Malaperta. A Summary of “L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love)” Act 1 In the 19th century, in Spain, a beautiful and rich lady, Adina, reads the book “Tristan and Isolde” to the people in her village. A young and poor villager, Nemorino, also listens to the story which she reads. In that story, Tristan takes the elixir of love, and Isolde falls passionately in love with him. So, Nemorino thinks, “I’d like to get the elixir of love. I wish it were true.” Because, he loves Adina. Then, sergeant Belcore appears, and he attempts to seduce Adina who is the most beautiful lady in this village. Nemorino is frustrated by the appearance of a masculine rival. A traveling purveyor of medicines, Dulcamara, arrives in the village. He advertises a potion capable of curing anything. Nemorino asks him if he has the elixir of love, which Tristan took. Actually, Dulcamara is an impostor. He sells Nemorino a bottle of cheap wine, and explains to him, “This elixir will have an effect on you, tomorrow.” Dulcamara intends to run away before this day is over. Nemorino tells Adina that she will fall in love with him the next day. Adina gets angry. She declares she is going to marry the sergeant Belcore, this day. Nemorino begs her to wait till the next day. But Adina ignores him. Act 2 Nemorino attempts to buy one more bottle of elixir, but he doesn’t have enough money. So, he decides to sugn up for the army, in order to get the sign-op money they offer. Adina is given an account of Nemorino’s plan from Dulcamara. Adina learning that Nemorino is willing to risk his life by entering the army is moved to tears by Nemorino’s affection for her. Nemorino also notices her tears, and understands their meaning. Adina pays Nemorino’s sign-up money back, and marries him. After all, Dulcamara’s elixir has an effect. Dulcamara peacefully leaves the village. A Comment on “L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love)” Gaetano Donizetti who is an Italian composer, composed more than 70 operas in his life. This opera, “L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love),” is the most famous opera of Donizetti’s operas. The manager of Teatro alla Canobbiana in Milan requested Donizetti to compose an opera, and Donizetti completed composing this opera in only two weeks. Donizetti was well-known for writing operas quickly, so to speak, he was an artisan of opera. The world premiere of this opera achieved a great success, so this opera was performed for a month, which was remarkable for that time. The story of this opera is a mere comedy with respect to the elixir of love. But you can listen to melodies which are filled with sorrow in this opera. You will be fascinated with a mysterious atmosphere between comedy and sorrow. The heroine, Adina, is not only a mere beautiful and rich lady but also a lady who has a tender heart. Nemorino is not only a mere young and poor villager but also a younger man who has passionate heart. You can enjoy double characters in this opera. There is no doubt that Nemorino’s aria, “Una furtiva lagrima (A Furtive Tear),” in act 2 is the most lyrical and famous aria in all operas. Some people want to listen only to this Tenor’s aria. But, this opera contains other wonderful arias and duets. You should appreciate these songs. Gluck, C. W. (1714-1787) 　- Orpheus and Eurydice Mozart, W. A. (1756-1791) 　- The Marriage of Figaro 　- Don Giovanni 　- Cosi fan tutte 　- The Magic Flute Beethoven, L. v. (1770-1827) 　- Fidelio Weber, C. M. v. (1786-1826) 　- The Magic Bullets Rossini, G. (1792-1868) 　- The Barber of Seville Donizetti, G. (1797-1848) 　- The Elixir of Love Verdi, G. (1813-1901) 　- Macbeth 　- Rigoletto 　- Il trovatore 　- La Traviata 　- Un ballo in maschera 　- Don Carlo 　- Aida 　- Otello 　- Falstaff Wagner, R. (1813-1883) 　- The Flying Dutchman 　- Tannhauser 　- Lohengrin 　- Tristan und Isolde 　- Die Meistersinger von Nuernberg 　- The Rhinegold 　- Die Walkure 　- Siegfried 　- Twilight of the Gods 　- Parsifal Offenbach, J. (1819-1880) 　- The Tales of Hoffmann Strauss, J. (1825-1899) 　- Die Fledermaus (The Bat) Bizet, G. (1838-1875) 　- Carmen Tchaikovsky, P. J. (1840-1893) 　- Eugene Onegin Massenet, J. (1842-1912) 　- Werther Humperdinck, E. (1854-1921) 　- Hansel and Gretel Puccini, G. (1858-1924) 　- La Boheme 　- Tosca 　- Madama Butterfly 　- Turandot Leoncavallo, R. (1858-1919) 　- Pagliacci Mascagni, P. (1863-1945) 　- Cavalleria Rusticana Debussy, C. (1862-1918) 　- Pelleas et Melisande Strauss, R. (1864-1949) 　- Salome 　- The Cavalier of the Rose Copyright (C) 2005-2013 Yusuke Kamiki. All Rights Reserved.