The characters
Learn more about the characters in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale
Don Pasquale
- Elderly, old-fashioned bachelor
- Economical
- Credulous
- Obstinate
- A good fellow at bottom
Photo: Clive Barda
Premiere cast: Signor Lablache
Commedia del arte character type: Pantalone
The Pantalone was one of the most important characters of Italian comic operas – often wealthy, greedy and naïve.
Ernesto
- Nephew of Don Pasquale
- Youthful
- Enthusiastic
- Requited lover
Photo: Clive Barda
Premiere cast: Signor Mario
Commedia del arte character type: Pierrot
In contemporary culture the Pierrot is often portrayed as a sad, pining clown.
Norina
- Young widow
- Impatient
- Genuine and affectionate
Photo: Clive Barda
Premiere cast: Signora Grisi
Commedia del arte character type: Columbina
The Columbina Character is often smart, manipulative yet of a lower class.
Dr Malatesta
- A skilled strategist
- Jocular
- Resourceful
- Doctor and friend of Don Pasquale
- Very close friend of Ernesto
Photo: Clive Barda
Premiere cast: Signor Tamburini
Commedia del arte character type: Scapino
Scapino is related to the English word, “escape”. The character is a schemer and proud of it.
The Chorus
One of the major developments in Italian opera during the 19th century was the emergence of the dramatic chorus.
While operas had long included big choral numbers at the end of acts, it was only around this time composers began to treat the chorus almost as another character – the chorus could add its own drama and musical personality to the opera.
Photo: Clive Barda