The new L'elisir d'amore with a fresh setting of music from 21st century American composer William Copper. The same beloved characters, the same rollicking story line, done in modern style. Renew the love for Adina and Nemorino, Dulcamara and Belcore, Giannetta and the rest of the cast.
The re-imagined and completely rewritten opera, based on the original 19th century libretto, takes you on a musical journey exploring tales of love, attraction, longing, and loyalty. Every note and rhythm meticulously placed, bringing a breath of fresh air to this timeless narrative. Beautiful melodic lines, rhythmic excitement, and a unique dramatic experience.
The published scores contain full supertitles with both the Italian text and an elegant but nearly literal English translation already synchronized and available for use in your productions.
Below the introductory video you will find the scenes and musical numbers for the entire opera. New Bel Canto and Intonalism combine into a divinely novel mix.
Adina at home at her farm. Farm and household workers take a break in the hot quiet midday. In the countryside in the background runs a stream; in the center a large tree, under which Giannetta reposes with the harvesters, men and women. Adina sits apart, reading. Nemorino watches her from a distance.
Giannetta sings. Bel conforto il mietitore! In this world, the farm worker is a happy guy. But, as she continues, while shade and stream temper the sun's midday heat, nothing can temper love's ardent flame. In the Arietta, we get Nemorino's take.
Asked what she is reading, Adina tells the story of a love potion used by Tristan. È la storia di Tristano All join in marvelling at such an Elixir. What is the "potion", in fact?
Indeed, what causes a person to fall in love? One of the splendors of the libretto is just how many possibilities Felice Romani, librettist, has illustrated.
The sound of drums! Handsome and confident Sergeant Belcore enters with his 'drappello' of soldiers. He presents flowers to Adina and immediately begins to carry away her heart. Then, is the potion physical attraction? Like the Paris of mythology, Belcore is most attractive, and most confident. But modestly, he suggests it's just the outfit. Who can resist the vista of a uniform?
The stage empties; Nemorino finds courage to approach Adina.
Ask the the inconstant breeze about love, Adina advises, in an extended duet that musically suggests these two might just be well suited to each other.
It has arrived! What is it? A golden carriage; a tooting trumpet. To see such grand seeming! Off the hats.
Hear, O rustics. Don't breathe.
Arrives the great Dr. Dulcamara, known everywhere in the universe, and and and, other places. He sells a potion! Is this it, the true Love Potion? He says .. well, he says a lot.
Nemorino is inspired to ask the Doctor about Queen Isolde's potion, thinking he might need some assistance to win Adina's heart. The doctor sells him .. something ..
Dear Elixir! You're mine! Nemorino drinks. Bourdeaux. Another sip! Ah, how mighty your power seems!
While waiting for the elixir to take effect, Nemorino decides it would be prudent to pretend to ignore Adina. She's not happy.
Another example of the beautiful language Romani has created for comedy. She says: Spezzar vorria lo stolido, gettar le sue catene. The silly wants to break, he wants to throw off his chains. And on Nemorino's side: Esulti pur la barbara per poco alle mie pene. Exult well, you barbarian, for a little while at my pains.
Belcore is getting tired of waiting. Nemorino needs to wait, for the potion to begin having an effect. They are at cross purposes; Adina is trying to manage both sides.
Mr. Sergeant! You've got orders! The troops are called away, so Belcore proposes, Adina accepts, and the ceremony is this evening.
Cantiamo! Facciam brindisi! The band is on their horns, the crowd is making toasts.
Everybody is a composer. Dulcamara, too. Just listen.
La Donna. Belcore complains about women and introduces Nemorino to the soldier's happy life.
Ai perigli. To dangers, I'm indifferent, says Nemorino. Think of the glory! The money! The love!, says Belcore.
Is it possible? The girls discuss the latest: Nemorino has inherited riches!
Hic! Nemorino has now drunk abundantly. The village maidens have heard the news about his new inherited wealth and position in the world. There is misunderstanding. But cheerfully he agrees to dance later, with you, you, you, and you. Adina, observing the end of this, is sobered and a little shocked.
Adina and Dulcamara share notes. She regrets having treated Nemorino poorly; he suggests she buy a love potion from him.
Adina is confident, however, and Dulcamara impressed. A little eye-touch, a smile .. Adina knows a recipe for love potions.
To his own amazement, Nemorino has seen that Adina is moved. A furtive tear welling out: he has seen it.
A last tease by Adina, in connection with the news that she has bought back Nemorino's fatal contract to become a soldier under Belcore; then finally she confesses: she swears eternal love.
Belcore and the soldiers drift back in; Adina politely tells him it's over. He takes it well, since there are many fish in the sea. Dulcamara claims credit for everything and embarks to the next station. Folks praise.
