One useful tool in preparing an opera is to read through the libretto at least twice. After (or during) each read, make notes on the character in order to give yourself a general understanding of what these people are like. More details should be expected with each read and, of course, you will develop these characters throughout your study and staging process. The following are an examples of the minimal impressions you should have after a first read-through of the entire text.
Nemorino: a young peasant: tenor
Whiny, weak. His peasantry is revealed not only through the fact that he cannot read, but also through his naivety. His Love is genuine (as much as can be expected in this story) in that his heart never waivers from his affection for Adina, even once all the women of the village throw themselves at him. Unlike Adina, he does not actually enjoy making her jealous or respond to his indifference. Instead, he keeps up such an appearance only because he sees it is working to win her affection. Maybe he’s not a COMPLETE idiot. (?) Perhaps he realizes, to some extent, that her sickness allows her to love the one who seems to despise her, so he rolls with it just until she finally tells him she loves him.
Adina: a wealthy farm owner: soprano
Unlike Nemorino, Adina exhibits no real redeeming qualities. She truly delights in making Nemorino suffer. Admitting as much repeatedly, she not only enjoys viewing his anguish over her, but also in actively creating circumstances with which to cause him pain. Once he feigns indifference to her (and especially once all the other girls take an interest in him), she then reverses her feelings to desire him – even confessing that she must love the one who despises her. Really nothing likeable about her. We see nothing of what Nemorino could be in love with, other than physical beauty, I suppose.
Her interaction with Belcore is ONLY for the purpose of torturing Nemorino. She actually pays no attention to Belcore’s wishes.
Belcore: a sergeant: baritone
Pompous ass! One woman is as good as the next, as far as he is concerned. In respect to a sense of self-worth, he and Adina sort of deserve each other. Obviously he is determined to take advantage of her physical attributes by wanting to marry her tonight, even though the regiment is moving out in the morning. Still, he actually believes Adina loves him – which is why he is perplexed when she asks that the ceremony be postponed until morning. Although he is working, and selling, he does tell Nemorino that, all in all, he seems like a good lad. Probably a testament to character considering his position as a regimental leader (i.e., being able to assess character, at least somewhat). Still, he has and shows no respect for Nemorino whatsoever. This is consistent with his out-of-control ego. Once Adina declares love for Nemorino, he just says “no problem. I’ll have thousands of other women to choose from.”
Is he a “dumb jock” type? Must have some sense/wits about him as a leader. A bully, nonetheless.
Dulcamara: an itinerant quack doctor: basso-buffo
A traveling salesman who, in this story at least, gets away with it. Definitely enjoys being the center of attention and takes great pride in being able to outwit/con most people. Perhaps he is actually a bit disturbed when he acknowledges that, perhaps, Adina is even more clever than him? I think he takes a genuine interest in the love story with Nemorino; but only more as a curiosity to amuse himself. Yet, despite his own intelligence, he is the first to really believe his Elixir has some power in the end.
Giannetta: a peasant girl: soprano
Seems very young. Perhaps experienced in Love, but not necessarily. Is more fascinated by status and wealth than anything else. With the townsfolk, is quick to ridicule Nemorino for being dimwitted, and the first to praise him once she realizes he’s come into a large inheritance. Probably not very experienced beyond casual affairs. She’s likely very attractive and aware of it, but relatively shallow do to her age and lack of any real responsibilities.
No comments:
Post a Comment