Adelina (opera)

Adelina is an opera farsa (described as a ‘melodramma sentimentale’) in one act, by the Italian composer Pietro Generali with words by Gaetano Rossi. It was first performed at the Teatro San Moisè in Venice on either 15 or 16 September 1810. It premiered just before the first of Rossini's farse at the same theatre.[1]

For the inspiration for his libretto Rossi turned to Lisbeth, a drame lyrique with words by Edmond de Favières, set by André Grétry and first performed in 1797 at the Salle Favart in Paris. The libretto is permeated by the ideals of Rousseau and the French Revolution.[2]

Roles
Role Voice type Premiere Cast,[2] 15 or 16 September 1810
(Conductor: )
Adelina soprano Rosa Morandi
Varner, her father bass Luigi Raffanelli
Simone, neighbour baritone Nicola de Grecis
Carlotta, Adelina's sister mezzo-soprano Clementina Lanari
Erneville tenor Tommaso Ricci
Firmino, Erneville's friend bass Domenico Remolini
Jacopo

Synopsis

The setting is a beautiful view outside Zürich with two rocks connected by a rustic bridge under which flows a stream. There is a courtyard with Varner's home, where he lives with his daughters Adelina and Carlotta to the right, and to the left the house of Simone.

Adelina returns home after a long stay with a relative. She has an illegitimate child and is anxious about breaking the news to her father. When she meets the neighbour and teacher Simone (who continually quotes Latin maxims), she asks for his help. Simone suggests an anonymous letter to Varner, who is horrified when he learns of his daughter's situation. Firmino, and then Erneville arrive on the scene, and Erneville, the child's father is reunited with Adelina. Varner considers leaving the town, to avoid shame and disgrace. Following further intervention by Simone, the opera ends with a marriage and forgiveness.

Musical numbers

Overture
1. Introduction
2. Aria – Adelina
3. Trio – Adelina, Varner, Simone
4. Cavatine – Erneville
5. Recitative and Duet – Adelina and Erneville
6. Aria – Simone
7. Recitative and Aria – Adelina
8. Finale

References
  1. Lanza A. Pietro Generali. In: The New Grove Dictionary of Opera. Macmillan, London and New York, 1997.
  2. Fabbri, P. Adelina oder die Macht der Natur. Programme note for 2010 Rossini in Wildbad Festival production, translated from Italian.
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