(The Elixir of Love)

Gaetano Donizetti saw his comic  masterpiece, written in an astounding two-weeks, (with libretto by Felice Romani),  premiere in Milan at the Teatro della Canobbiana on May 12, 1832.

Composers

Production

ACT I

Nemorino is in love with the wealthy and intelligent Adina. In his first act aria Quanto e bella,  quanto e cara, Nemorino contrasts his own assumed inadequacies and diffidence with her learned and sophisticated wit. Soon we are confronted with Adina's reading of the Tristan and Isolde legend, in which she derides the notion of a love potion as mentioned in the legend. Nemorino's problems are exacerbated by the unexpected entrance of the smugly confident army officer, Belcore. In response to Nemorino's protestations of love, Adina warns him that although she likes him well enough when compared to the presumptuous oaf, Belcore, she is capricious and unlikely to be conquered by either man. Nemorino leaves in desperate resignation.

When Dr. Dulcamara comes to town trumpeting the efficacy of his Elixir as a love potion, Nemorino is anxious to acquire a bottle. Believing that the love potion is going to win him Adina's love, Nemorino begins to act with uncharacteristic confidence and even to ignore her. Adina's response is to goad him into action by accepting Belcore's marriage proposal.

ACT II

Dr. Dulcamara presides over the sumptuous wedding banquet. The whole town is enjoying the festivities; only Adina is anxiously seeking out Nemorino. His absence is clearly causing her some distress.

Meanwhile, Nemorino approaches Dulcamara for another dose of the love potion, a request denied him until he can raise the money. In desperation and to Belcore's great joy, Nemorino agrees to join the army in exchange for the money. Meanwhile, Gianetta and all the village girls discover that Nemorino's uncle has died and left Nemorino his fortune. The loveable Nemorino instantly becomes the most eligible bachelor in town and he truly believes that the elixir is working.

In a wonderful duet between Adina and Dulcamara, she discovers Nemorino's noble sacrifice in his quest to win her love. Adina takes the initiative: she buys back Nemorino's contract from Belcore and encourages him in his pursuit. Soon the couple declare their love and join Dulcamara and Belcore in one of Donizetti's inspiring finales.