Theater: Don Pasquale

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Don Pasquale

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Don Pasquale is a comic opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti. The libretto is written by Donizetti and Giovanni Ruffini. The opera, staged in 3 acts was first performed in Paris in 1843.

Act one begins in Don Pasquale's room. Pasquale is an aging bachelor who has just made the decision to marry. Pasquale had advised his nephew, Ernesto to marry a certain wealthy lady of Roman social standing. Ernesto who is in love with a lively widow Norina. Pasquale considers her unworthy threatens to disown Ernesto. Now, Pasquale is impatiently waiting for Doctor Malatesta who has agreed to help him find a bride so that he can disinherit his nephew, Ernesto. Malatesta suggests his own sister- the young and beautiful Sofronia as the bride. He promises to fix up their meeting the next day. Pasquale is delighted and fantasizes being a father of six! He breaks the news of his own wedding plans to his nephew and orders him to find another place to live. It leaves Ernesto astonished and dismayed as he had been counting on Pasquale's fortune enabling him to marry his sweetheart. As his last hope he asks Pasquale to consult Dr Malatesta. His uncle's reply to this leaves him even more disappointed.

Next scene takes place in Norina's house. Norina is reading, a romance novel. Just then Dr Malatesta arrives and tells her his plans of getting the young couple united. But, Norina is disturbed reading Ernesto's letter. He explains in his letter that he is to be disinherited and that they cannot get married. Malatesta objects and tries explaining his plans. He suggests passing off Norina as Sofronia, Pasquale's proposed bride. Cousin Carlotta, a Notary would get them married under a false contract. Norina would then make Pasquale's wedded life so miserable that he would be desperate enough to get rid of her. This way she could extract from him whatever she wants. Norina agrees on condition that she should not lose Ernesto. Malatesta assures her that. He further instructs her to play the part of a shy girl. Norina is quite thrilled and wants to take revenge for Pasquale's refusal to let Ernesto marry her.

Ernesto is left alone, without home and love of his life. Also, he believes that his friend Malatesta has betrayed him. Don Pasquale waits eagerly for his bride to be, and orders the servants not to let in anyone but her and Malatesta. Malatesta and his veiled "sister Sofronia" arrive. She pretends to be too frightened even to be in the room with him. Pasquale is impressed with her lovely form but wants the veil to be lifted. "Sofronia" reluctantly removes the veil leaving Pasquale overwhelmed. He proposes her and demands a wedding contract. Malatesta gets the contract containing a clause by which Pasquale leaves half his property to "Sofronia." Ernesto is called upon to act as witness. Ernesto feels offended but Malatesta explains him the entire plan and he consents. Then follow a series of acts where Norina makes Pasquale's life miserable. Pasquale is surprised to see the change in his innocent shy bride. Don Pasquale finds a carefully planted love note from Ernesto to Norina that leads him to "discover" the lovers in the garden. In the end, he forgives them and offers his blessings and all ends well.

To enjoy this hilarious opera book your tickets online from your online ticket vendor and be there.