L'elisir d'amore (The Elixer of Love)

This two-act romantic comedy follows the fortunes of poor villager Nemorino who is in love with wealthy, beautiful heiress Adina. She rejects him and travelling quack Dr Dulcamara takes advantage of the desperate Nemorino, selling him a fake love potion – really just red wine. Drunk on the wine, Nemorino feigns indifference to Adina and in her confusion she agrees to marry the arrogant Sergeant Belcore.

Nemorino begs Dulcamara for another, stronger potion but he has no more money.  However, unbeknown to Nemorino and Adina, he has come into an inheritance and is now a wealthy man. The village women pursue him and Adina’s jealousy grows; does she love him after all? The pair kiss – and are caught in an embrace by Belcore. The wedding is off, the happy couple admit their feelings and Belcore shrugs it off, saying there are plenty of women in the world. Even Dulcamara is happy as his love potions appear to work and are suddenly in great demand.

Donizetti’s beautiful melodies are unforgettable, including “Una furtiva lagrima”, a favorite concert piece of Luciano Pavarotti.