Opera Books
The Opera Goer’s
COMPLETE GUIDE
LEO MELITZ
Copyright 1908, 1911, 1921
Romantic opera in four acts by Marschner. Text by
Wohlbrück.
CAST: Sir Humphry — Basso. Malvina, his daughter—
Soprano. Edgar Aubrey, a relative—Tenor. Lord Ruthven—Baritone. Sir
Berkley—Basso. Ilanthe, his daughter—Soprano. George Dibdin, in the service of
Humphry—Tenor. John Perth, bailiff of the earl of Marsden. Emmy, his
daughter—Soprano. Gadshill, Blunt, Scrope and Green, countrymen—Small singing
parts. Suse, wife of Blunt—Alto. Place, Scotland. First production, Leipsic, 1828.
The opera has four scenes and is sometimes produced in two acts, when the second and
fourth acts are changes of scene.
ACT I. Rocks and cavern. Lord Ruthven, through his crimes,
is forfeit to the spirits and is brought forward to suffer his doom. He asks for a
respite, and three years are granted him on condition that each year he shall bring a pure
maiden as his bride to the sacrifice. Ruthven takes the oath and the spirits disappear
with the warning that the first victim is approaching. (Recitative and aria of Ruthven:
"Ha! what joy! from lovely eyes.") Ruthven is a vampire, who lives on the
heart’s blood of his victims. Ianthe appears. (Love duet: "The pride of dear
parents.") Ruthven drags her to the cavern, where Berkley and his companions find her
dead, with the marks of the teeth of a vampire. Berkley stabs Ruthven all but mortally.
The vampire is dragged by Aubrey to a hiding place among the rocks, where he is healed by
the rays of the moon. Aubrey is compelled to take a dreadful oath to remain silent.
ACT II. (or change of scene). A chamber in Sir
Humphry’s castle. (Aria of Malvina, who awaits Aubrey: "The morning sun of
spring.") Aubrey arrives. (Duet: " ’Tis you, ‘tis no dream.") Sir
Humphry has selected the Earl of Marsden to be Malvina’s husband. (Terzett:
"What, father! Woe is me! I am lost!") Aubrey recognises, to his horror, the
earl as the vampire, but is prevented by his oath from exposing him.
ACT III. A square. Drinking and dancing. (Chorus:
"Merrily drink," and ‘"Do you hear the fiddle?") Emmy, the
daughter of the bailiff, is about to marry George Dibdin, but as the bridegroom is tardy,
she entertains the guests. (Aria: ""There on the rocks," and ballad of the
vampire: ‘"See, mother, the pale man.") Ruthven endeavours to captivate
Emmy. George listens. (Terzett: "You only desire to shame me.") Aubrey tells
Ruthven that he will expose him, but to his horror learns that if he did so he would
himself become a vampire. (Aria of Aubrey: "‘Ha! what dreadful picture.")
Ruthven succeeds in deluding Emmy (Duet: "Come to yonder arbour") and she
follows him. The countrymen make merry (Quartet: "In the fall we must drink";
Quintet: "At last, old man, Il find you"), but the festivities are interrupted
by finding Emmy dead.
ACT IV. (or change of scene). Chamber at Sir Humphry’s.
The marriage of Ruthven is about to be celebrated. Aubrey is desperate and desires to
prevent the ceremony, and Malvina also refuses to wed Ruthven. Humphry threatens to curse
them, and Malvina is about to comply when Aubrey exclaims, pointing to Ruthven: "That
horror is a vampire." At this moment Ruthven is struck by lightning. Humphry consents
to the union of Aubrey and Malvina.
Opera in two acts by Johann Schenk. Libretto by
Weidemann.
CAST: Lux, a village barber—Baritone. Maid Süschen,
his ward—Soprano. Rund, the schoolmaster—Basso. Joseph, son of a
farmer—Tenor. Adam, a barber’s apprentice-Tenor. Frau Marguerete,
widow—Mezzo-soprano. Peter, a tailor—Basso. Philip and Thomas, peasants and
conspirators—Basso. Place, the barber shop of Lux. Time, in the time of the queue.
First production, Vienna, 1796.
Joseph and Süschen are in love. But as the village barber
and quack Lux himself wants to marry his ward, the lovers plan a comedy. The girl pretends
to abhor the sight of the youth, and he declares he has taken poison in despair at her
heartlessness. Lux, out of charity, allows the seemingly dying man to be married to
Süschen on his death-bed. When this has been done, Joseph develops a fine appetite,
devours a large portion of ham, and to the astonishment of the barber regains his health.
ACT I. Introduction: ‘"It is true and certain,
blessed is this year for doctor and barber"; Aria of Lux: ""Anger, jealousy
and vengeance"; Couplet of Adam, with the refrain: "‘And that was
good"; Süschen’s aria: ‘"Who would not be touched by my woes";
Duet between Lux and Süschen: "I am admired and respected"; Finale: "God
greet you in honour."
ACT II. Terzett, Joseph, Süschen and Rund: "Soon the
torment will end"; Adam’s aria: "The devil take the business";
Lux’s aria: ‘"The head is my pride"; Süschen’s aria:
"Maldens are easily deceived"; Joseph’s aria: ‘"Desperate is my
state"; Duet between Lux and Joseph: "Death sits already on his brow";
Rund’s aria: "Think, oh man, you are from dust"; Closing chorus: "Long
live Lux, the miracle worker."
Opera in two acts by Jeno Hubay. Text by
François Coppée and Henry Beauclair. German by Max Kalbeck.
CAST: Taddeo Ferrari. His scholars, Filippo, Sandro.
Giannina, his daughter. The burgomaster. Place, Cremona. Time, 1750.
ACT I. Workshop of Ferrari. After an introductory chorus
Ferrari enters and announces that the council of the city has resolved to reward the maker
of the best violin with a golden chain. He adds that he will also give to the victor his
daughter in marriage and his house as a dowry. Giannina, who loves Sandro, but is doubtful
of his success in the contest, in vain tries to dissuade her father from his project.
After a love scene between Giannina and Sandro, Filippo rushes in. On account of his
deformed stature he has been annoyed by street urchins. He is passionately in love with
Giannina, who does not return his love, but tells him of her grief. Filippo secretly
exchanges violins with his rival to give him the victory. Sandro, however, desires to
defraud Filippo and again exchanges the instruments so that he obtains his own inferior
one. Suffering from remorse he confesses to Filippo what he has done, and begs for his
forgiveness.
ACT II. The principal square in Cremona. The burgo-master
declares Filippo the victor, but the hunchback hands Giannina the chain as a wedding gift
and relinquishes her in favour of Sandro.
THE WATER
CARRIER
(Les deux Journées)
Opera comique in three acts by Cherubini. Text by
Bouilly.
CAST: Count Armand—Tenor. Costanza, his
wife—Soprano. Michele, Savoyard water-carrier—Basso. Daniel, his
father—Basso. Anton, his grandchild—Tenor. Marcelline, his sister—Soprano.
Semos, a rich countryman. Angelina, his daughter. A captain of Italian troops. A
lieutenant—Tenor. A sergeant. A corporal. A girl— Soprano. Place, in and near
Paris. Time, the seventeenth century. First production, Paris, 1800.
The text is founded upon an actual occurrence, the savoyard
having carried Count Armand out of Paris in a water butt, when pursued by Mazarin, thus
saving his life.
ACT I. Dwelling of the water-carrier Michele. Anton narrates
to his friends that he had once as a lad been saved from death through cold and hunger by
a stranger. (""Poor little Savoyard.") Michele ascertains that Mazarin has
been pursuing his benefactor, Count Armand and his wife, Costanza. He desires to save
them. (Aria: "Heavens! let my plan succeed.") When he has brought them safely to
his dwelling (Terzett, Armand, Costanza, Michele: "Come to my heart"; and duet,
Costanza, Armand: "‘To part from my husband"), Anton recognises in Armand
the saviour of his life. (Finale: "Oh God, whom do Il behold?") Michele now
insists that the count and his wife shall be carried to safety out of Paris. He has a pass
made out in the name of his daughter, Marcelline, and Anton is to take her through the
gates.
ACT II. The gates and guard house. The watch retains Anton
and Costanza. (Terzett, Costanza, Anton, lieutenant: "Oh my brother, can you
allow.") The countess plays the part of sister so naturally that they allow her to
pass, while Anton is detained. Michele now arrives with a large water butt. He seemingly
betrays the whereabouts of the count in order to get rid of the soldiers, and they depart
eager to earn the price set by Mazarin upon his head. (Finale: "March! away! let us
not tarry.") While the watch is preparing to leave, Michele cautiously opens the
cask; Count Armand slips through the gate and disappears.
ACT III. A square in a village near Paris. Anton’s
arrival is expected to celebrate his marriage with Angelina, but he does not appear. The
soldiers, who have followed the count to the village, enter. The countess arrives dressed
as a peasant in order to bring food to her husband. (Aria: "Could Il but suffer
death.") When the soldiers threaten the countess the count rushes to her rescue and
his name escapes her lips. About to be arrested, the honest Michele appears and brings the
pardon of the king. (Closing song of Michele: "‘Friends, let us be merry.")
Lyric drama in three acts by Massenet. Text
founded on Goethe’s novel by Blair, Milliet and Hartmann. German by Max Kalbeck.
CAST: Werther—Tenor. Albert—Baritone. The
bailiff—Basso. Schmidt and Yohann, his friends—Basso and Tenor. Lotte, his
daughter—Soprano. Sophie, her sister—Mezzo-soprano. Bühlmann—Baritone.
Käthchen— Mezzo-soprano. Six younger children of the bailiff. Place, in the vicinity
of Wetzlar. Time, 1772.
ACT I. A terrace before the house of the bailiff. He is
practising a Christmas carol with his six young children— "‘Holy
night." They are inattentive and sing incorrectly, and he thinks they will do better
with Lotte. Yohann and Schmidt join him and enjoy the music; upon their inquiry for Lotte,
Sophie answers that she is arranging her costume for the ball. It appears that Werther is
also to be at the ball, although he is usually quiet and depressed, caring little for
gaiety. The two friends repair to the inn and invite the bailiff to follow them. Albert,
Lotte’s intended husband, is expected; they all praise him as an honest and capable
man. Werther approaches the house unperceived ("How sweet to dwell here"); the
songs of the children are heard, and with emotion he thinks of his childhood. Lotte
appears in ball dress, surrounded by the noisy children, and gives them their supper. The
bailiff, perceiving Werther, calls him and presents him to his daughter; Werther is
impressed by her appearance. Other ball guests, among them Bühlmann and Käthchen, deeply
in love with each other, assemble and leave the house with Lotte and Werther; Sophie
remains with her father and persuades him to follow the stranger to the inn. When he has
gone, Albert returns from a long journey. He inquires for Lotte; he is glad that she has
thought of him and retires to surprise her in the morning. It is night; Lotte and Werther
approach arm in arm. He has taken her home, but cannot tear himself away, and makes her a
violent declaration of love. ("Joy must be expressed.") She refuses modestly,
but at last becomes confused. She thinks of her mother, whose last wish was the union of
her eldest daughter with Albert, and is frightened at having broken her oath for the sake
of Werther. Werther leaves in despair.
ACT II. Square before the inn. Yohann and Schmidt are
drinking and pay no attention to the choral, which is heard from the church. Lotte and
Albert, who have been married three months, appear; they enter the church. Werther has
watched them from a distance and falls to the ground in despair. ("Another is her
husband.") Albert steps to his side and tells him that he understands and forgives
everything. Werther thanks him and asks for his friendship. Sophie arrives with a bouquet
of flowers (Song: "‘At early morn"); her cheerfulness only causes Werther
to be more despondent, and Albert’s hints to Werther to court Sophie remain
unregarded. Lotte convinces Werther that she is true to her husband, and invites him to
the Christmas festivities. Werther tries to conquer his love ("I will be a
man"), but neglects Sophie at the dance. Lotte and Albert find her weeping.
ACT III. A room in Albert’s house. Lotte is sitting at
her work table. She now knows that she loves Werther and reads his letters with a mixture
of joy and dread, especially as he hints at a tragic end. Albert is on a journey, and she
is invited to visit her father’s house, but expects Werther. When alone she sinks
half fainting to the ground (""Air, I am stifling") just as Werther, pale
and distraught, appears at the door. They have a long explanation (Song: "Am I
awake?"); he becomes more and more passionate; she can hardly resist. She does not
deny that she loves him, but at last conquers her sentiments and flees. Werther rushes
away in despair. Albert returns; he notices something has occurred, and Lotte cannot
conceal her emotion. He receives a letter, in which Werther asks the loan of his pistols,
as he is about to travel. Lotte guesses his purpose, but does not dare to speak; Albert
forces her to give the pistols personally to the messenger and departs in anger. Lotte
also hurriedly leaves the house to prevent Werther from killing himself.
Change of scene: Werther’s room. He lies mortally
wounded upon the floor; Lotte rushes in and kneels by his side in anguish. With words of
love she brings him back to consciousness, and reproaches herself bitterly for being the
cause of his death. For the first and last time they can give themselves up to each other.
(Duet: "‘Away with dread and fear.") The children’s Christmas carol is
heard, and with the last tones of the music in his ears Werther expires in Lotte’s
arms.
Opera in three acts by Rossini. Text by Bis and
Jouy.
CAST: Gessler—Basso. Rudolf de Harras—Tenor.
William Tell—Baritone. Walter Fürst—Basso. Melchthal— Basso. Arnold, his
son—Tenor. Leuthold—Tenor. Mathilde, daughter of Gessler—Soprano. Hedwig,
Tell’s wife—Soprano. Jemmy, Tell’s son—Soprano. Ruodi, a
fisherman—Tenor. Place, Switzerland. Time, the thirteenth century. First production,
Paris, 1829.
The shore of Lake Lucerne with Tell’s house. (Chorus:
"Mildly shines the sun of May"; Quartet, Ruodi, Tell, Hedwig, Jemmy and chorus:
"‘Oh come, my love.") The venerable Melchthal comes thither to take part in
the festival of the shepherds. His son, Arnold, has fallen in love with Mathilde, the
daughter of the tyrant Gessler. (Scene and departure of the shepherds.) Arnold hates
Gessler and the oppressors of his country, but his love for Mathilde, whose life he has
saved, causes him to espouse the enemy’s cause. In a spirited scene between Arnold
and Tell (Duet: "Whither goest thou? Speak, why hasten?") Arnold confesses his
love (Arnold: "‘Oh Mathilde, thou angel"), and Tell endeavours to win him
hack to the cause of the people. The entrance of the shepherds interrupts them. (Chorus
and dance: "‘Day of joy.") Leuthold rushes in, declaring passionately that
a soldier was about to rob him of his only daughter, and that he had split his head with
an axe; that he is even now pursued. He p rays for refuge, but the fisherman Ruodi does
not dare to carry him over the lake in the storm which is raging. Tell steps into the boat
with him as the pursuers appear. Finale. (Chorus: "‘God of mercy.") Rudolf,
who leads the soldiers, plnnders and sets fire to the fishermen’s huts. (Ensemble:
"Let the flames rage.") He drags Melchthal away as a hostage, charging him with
stirring up the people.
ACT II. A wood. (Chorus of huntsmen: "Let the horns
sound," answered by a distant chorus of shepherds: "The sun sinks into the
waters"; Romance, Mathilde: ‘"Thou quiet wood.") Arnold joins her
(Duet: "Mathilde, forgive my love"), and she acknowledges that she reciprocates
his passion. This avowal separates him once more from his native land, but when Tell and
Walter Fürst inform him that his father Melchthal has been murdered by the tyrants,
revenge takes him back to patriotism. (Terzett: "Thy fatherland lies in
chains.")
Change of scene: (Ruodi, Tell, Arnold, Walter and chorus of
Swiss patriots: "The fatherland calls"; Chorus, Swiss patriots: "Our burden
is heavy"; and "Hail, hail to our country.") The citizens of each canton
assemble to take the oath, and prepare for the combat.
ACT III. Open country. (Arnold’s aria: "The hut of
my fathers.") He places himself at the head of a band of armed Swiss. (This scene is
often omitted.)
Change of scene: The market place of Altdorf, where Gessler
has erected a pole surmounted by a hat, to which all bow. (March and chorus: "Hail to
thee, lord.") Gessler enters. A Tyrolean dance follows. Tell, for refusing to make
obeisance, is arrested by Rudolf and brought be-fore Gessler. (Quartet: "Bitterly
shall you rue it.") The tyrant orders Tell to shoot an apple from his son’s
head. (Finale: "I bless you, my dear child.") Tell shoots and splits the apple,
and upon being asked by Gessler what he intended to do with a second arrow, which he had
in his doublet, answers that had he failed he would have pierced The tyrant’s heart
with it. Notwithstanding the prayer of Mathilde Tell is bound and led away.
Act IV. Scene as in the first act. Hedwig, Tell’s wife,
is grieving over her lost husband, when the boy Jemmy is brought to her by Mathilde.
(Terzett: "I give you back your son.") Tell enters, having escaped; he awaits
Gessler and pierces him to the heart with an arrow. Arnold approaches with his band and
proclaims a victory for the Swiss patriots. ("Hail, the burgs are no more.")
With a prayer and invocation to freedom the opera ends.
Last updated October 30, 2006