Linda, daughter of Antonio.
Pierotto, a villager.
Antonio, a farmer.
Madalina, his wife.
Marquis of Boisfleury.
Carlo, the Marquis' son.
Prefect.
[Villagers, Savoyards, etc.]
The scene is laid in Switzerland; time, last century.
The first act of "Linda de Chamouni" opens in the valley of that name,
and discloses the home of Antonio Lonstolat, a farmer, and his old wife,
Madalina, whose only daughter, Linda, is in love with Carlo, a young
painter who has recently come into the valley. Misfortunes have overtaken
the old couple, and they are in danger of losing their farm, which is
owned by the Marchioness de Sirval. Their anxiety is temporarily relieved
when the Marquis of Boisfleury visits them and assures them he will save
the farm, his real purpose being to effect the ruin of Linda by
ingratiating himself with her parents. The Prefect of the village,
however, is aware of his designs, and induces them to let Linda accompany
a party of villagers to Paris, promising at the same time to place her
with his brother, who is supposed to be living in that city. She soon
leaves under the protection of Pierotto, the Savoyard.
The second act discloses them on the way to Paris, but Linda
unfortunately loses her companion. Upon reaching Paris she finds that the
Prefect's brother is dead. Meanwhile Carlo, who has followed her,
arrives, and reveals to her that he is the Viscount Sirval, son of the
Marchioness, and nephew of the Marquis. He renews his offer of marriage,
and places her in a handsome apartment. In these questionable
surroundings Pierotto discovers her. Her father, who has had to give up
the farm, also finds her, and, distrusting her innocence amid such
luxury, curses her. The Marchioness meanwhile, who has learned of her
son's attachment, threatens to imprison Linda if he does not marry the
lady she has selected for him. He gives his feigned consent, and Linda,
thinking he has deserted her, goes insane.
In the last act Pierotto takes her back to her native village. Carlo
arrives there in search of her, and finding her with Pierotto sings to
her, hoping she will recognize his voice and that her reason may return.
The song has the desired effect. Subsequently the Marchioness relents,
gives her consent to their union, and all ends happily.
The music of "Linda" is of that serious and dignified kind which
justifies its inclusion in the list of grand operas. In the first act the
opening aria of Antonio, "We were both in this Valley nurtured," is a
touching expression of the sorrow of the aged couple. Linda's farewell,
"Oh, Stars that guide my Fervent Love," familiar on the concert stage by
its Italian title, "O, luce di quest' anima," is an aria of strong
dramatic power, and has always been a popular favorite. In this act also
are Pierotto's pathetic ballad, "Once a Better Fortune seeking," and the
passionate duet for Linda and Carlo, "Oh that the Blessed Day were come."
The principal numbers in the second act are the brilliant duet for Linda
and Pierotto, "Oh, Linda, at thy Happy Fate," which is highly
embellished, and the aria for Linda, "Ah! go, my Love." The last act
contains a mournful aria by Carlo, "If from Heaven the Bolts should reach
me"; his charming song in which he appeals to Linda, "Hear the voice
that, softly singing"; and the rapturous duet for Linda and Carlo, "Ah!
the Vision of thy Sorrow fades," which closes the opera.
The Elixir of Love.
[Opera buffa, in two acts; text by Romani. First produced in Milan in
1832; in English at Drury Lane Theatre, London, in 1839.]