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Fra Diavolo
ou
L'Hôtellerie de Terracine
Opera comique in 3 acts
Music by Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
Libretto by Eugène Scribe
First Performance: Opéra-Comqiue, Paris, 28 January 1830
Cast:
Fra Diavolo Tenor
Lord Cockburn Baritone
Pamela Mezzo soprano
Zerlina Soprano
Lorenzo Tenor
Giacomo Tenor
Beppo Bass
Matteo Bass
Francesco Bass
A Miller Bass
Chorus: SATB
Background
Synopsis
The notorious bandit Fra Diavolo, posing as the Marchese San Marco, has aroused the jealousy of the traveling Lord Cockburn by his behavior toward Lady Cockburn in an encounter on the road. The two bandits Giacomo and Peppe have taken Lord Cockburn's jewels, but cannot find his money. In an aside, the Marchese informs them it is hidden in the lady's dress. The bandits plan a further assualt on the couple, using as a vantage point the room of the innkeeper's daughter Zerlina, who is in love with the dragoon Lorenzo. Lorenzo has recovered the jewels and given the reward money to Zerlina. Now he comes to her rescue as the bandits are about to stab her. Still in the character of the Marchese, Fra Diavolo also inspires jealousy in Lorenzo by his presence in Zerlina's room. Nevertheless, Lorenzo and Zerlina are married. Diavolo leaves orders for his followers in a hollow tree, but during the wedding procession, Giacomo and Beppo are arrested and Diavolo is forced to appear in his rightful guise. He is shot, and falls into the abyss. (Originally the bandit was merely arrested, not killed.)
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Last updated: January 22, 2008