YourClassical

L'Elisir d'Amore from the Met

Damrau as Adina and Florez as Nemorino
Diana Damrau as Adina and Juan Diego Florez as Nemorino in Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'Amore."
Cory Weaver/Metropolitan Opera

This weekend, the Metropolitan Opera performs Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'Amore" ("The Elixir of Love").

It's one of opera's evergreen romantic comedies. It tells the story of a sweet, naive country bumpkin, in love with a girl who seems to be way out of his league. An army sergeant and a "doctor" selling quack remedies round out the picture. The story may deal with human foibles such as pride and self-deception, but the moral is delivered with such a gentle touch that you'd hardly know it's there.

Officially, "L'Elisir d'Amore" takes place in the Basque country, though many performances, like the Met's, move it to Donizetti's own locale, Italy of the early 19th century.

But directors have delighted in moving it to other countries, and other eras. One famous production placed it in the Wild West. The hero became a cowboy, the heroine a ranch owner. The baritone was a cavalry officer from the local fort, and the women's chorus, instead of being "peasants," were a troupe of dance-hall girls.

Recently the San Francisco Opera moved it to their own backyard, in the Napa Valley of the early 20th century. In another recent production, they reasoned that anyone selling quack remedies needs to be a showman. Accordingly they dressed Bryn Terfel up in a sort of Elvis/Gary Glitter suit, and turned his big aria into a production number.

Its appeal to audience is foolproof, whether it's presented at the Met or a junior high school auditorium, where my first encounter with the opera took place. The program from that performance has survived, and for a quick summary of the plot, you could hardly do better.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$
<!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE-->