Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love)
Recommended process for learning this score:
There are several steps necessary to gain a thorough knowledge of a work before setting foot in the rehearsal room. While you may find your own method more suitable, the following is intended as one suggestion for learning an opera score for those that may have little or no experience.
Materials needed:
· Piano/Vocal score (Ricordi edition is preferred)
· Full Score, if possible (Ricordi publishes an affordable edition)
· CD Recordings
· Libretto which includes both the original Italian text and a good (preferably literal) translation of the text. The best source is Nico Castel’s literal, word-for-word translation which is available in the UT Music Library reference section: Castel, Nico. Italian bel canto opera libretti. Vol. 1 ML48 .I83 2000
Steps for score study/preparation:
1) Read through the entire libretto first to acquaint yourself with the story and the characters.
2) Start from the beginning, and read through the translation of the text for each section (ie. Chorus, aria, trio, etc.)
3) Write the word-for-word literal translation into your score.
4) Speak, out loud, the Italian text for this section
5) Listen to a recording of this section
6) Work through the piano part, learning all notes, rhythms, fingerings, etc.
7) Play through the vocal part(s), singing along, making sure to learn the Italian text as you go.
8) Listen to the recording once again, this time following along with the full orchestra score (if you have one). Pay particular attention to the sounds of the orchestra, noticing as much detail as you can about the sounds of different instruments, etc..
9) Play through the section again at the piano, trying to imitate the sounds of the orchestra as much as possible while also trying to sing/”hear” the vocal part as you play.
10) Listen to the recording once more while again following along with the score.
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