Don Pasquale
Donizetti’s glittering, sharp-edged comedy cuts to the heart of human nature.
Public booking opens on Sunday 6 March 2022
About the opera
Happy wife, happy life.
Miserly old bachelor Don Pasquale vows to get married and cut his nephew Ernesto out of his will. But Ernesto and his beloved Norina set a trap, producing the perfect young wife who’ll make his life such a misery that he’ll do anything to be rid of her…
Donizetti’s ‘most Mozartean’ opera is the climax of a whole career – an uproarious domestic comedy that displays as much invention and sophistication as any of his mature tragedies. Cynical scheming meets true love in an intrigue that’s as tightly crafted as its score.
Full of sparkling solo numbers and dazzling ensembles, this fast-paced farce tumbles from laughter to love and back again in a second. There’s plenty of musical sweetness, but also a sharp edge to a comedy that cuts to the heart of human nature.
Mariame Clément’s elegant production returns, conducted by Ben Glassberg.
A revival of the Festival 2011 production. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
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Creative team
Conductor
Ben Glassberg
Director
Mariame Clément
Designer
Julia Hansen
Lighting Designer
Bernd Purkrabek
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
The Glyndebourne Chorus
Cast includes
Don Pasquale
José Fardilha
Norina
Erin Morley
Malatesta
Huw Montague Rendall
Ernesto
Josh Lovell
Gaetano Donizetti: Don Pasquale, ‘Dramma Buffo’ in 3 atti
Critical edition by Piero Rattalino © Casa Ricordi, Milano (Universal Music Publishing Group)
By arrangement with G. Ricordi & Co. (London) Ltd.
Photos by Clive Barda
Synopsis
Act I
The elderly bachelor Don Pasquale, at his house in Rome, awaits his friend Dr Malatesta, who has arranged a marriage for him. The bride, Malatesta tells him, is beautiful and innocent, and happens to be Malatesta’s sister.
Don Pasquale reminds his nephew Ernesto that he has offered to wed him to a wealthy lady on pain of disinheritance if he refuses. Ernesto refuses again; he intends to marry the impoverished Norina.
At home, Norina scoffs at a romantic novel. Malatesta arrives and tells her of the scheme he has hatched to help her and Ernesto marry. Norina will be introduced to Pasquale as Malatesta’s sister Sofronia, fresh from the convent. After they are ‘married’ by a false notary, Pasquale will be at their mercy.
Synopsis
Act II
Disowned by Pasquale, Ernesto feels he cannot ask Norina to share his poverty.
Malatesta arrives at Pasquale’s house with ‘Sofronia’, apparently shy and afraid of men. Pasquale proposes and she accepts. Malatesta’s false notary draws up the contract, making Sofronia mistress of the house and owner of half of Pasquale’s goods. The ceremony done, Sofronia instantly transforms into a domineering, spendthrift shrew and appoints Ernesto her escort.
Synopsis
Act III
Don Pasquale, his home completely revamped by Norina/Sofronia, examines the bills with horror. Norina enters, dressed up to go to the theatre. Pasquale tries to stop her, but ‘Sofronia’ treats him harshly. As she leaves, she deliberately drops a piece of paper. Pasquale discovers that it is a note from Sofronia’s lover arranging a tryst in the garden that evening. Pasquale sends for Malatesta and shows him the note. They agree to confront the lovers in the garden that night.
Later, in the garden, Ernesto serenades Norina, and they sing of their love. Pasquale and Malatesta spy on them and then ambush them, but Ernesto escapes unrecognised. ‘Sofronia’ denies her guilt and refuses to leave, but Malatesta persuades her that she cannot stay, as Norina is to arrive tomorrow as Ernesto’s bride. Pasquale is thus forced to accept Ernesto’s chosen wife in order to get rid of his own. When the truth is finally revealed, Pasquale forgives the youngsters and all are reconciled.
Words: George Hall
Don Pasquale is available to support from £5000+
Join a Production Circle or Syndicate
Contact our Director of Development, Helen McCarthy – helen.mccarthy@glyndebourne.com
Illustration © Katie Ponder