What does La Sonnambula mean?
La Sonnambula is translated as "The Sleepwalker"
Who composed the opera La Sonnambula?
The opera was composed by Vincenzo Bellini and set to the libretto (words/text) by Felice Romani.
When was the opera first performed?
The opera was first performed at the Teatro Carcano in Milan, in 1831.
Who were the lead singers of the first production?
Bellini composed the leading female role for the diva of the day, Giuditta Pasta, whereas the male leading role was performed by the great tenor Giovanni Battista Rubini.
Where is the opera set?
The opera is set in the Swiss Alps in a small village.
What is important about the music of this opera?
Bellini's mastery of the Bel Canto is evident in this opera. The lead soprano masters the coloratura. There is a lot of interaction between the soloists and the chorus, something unusual for his work. However, this better depicts the society of the village which acts as a ground on which his mastery of vocal expression is best depicted.
What is La Sonnambula's historical background?
- In Summer 1830, Bellini was situated in Lake Como, where he was recovering from his serious illness.
- He was asked to compose an opera for the upcoming carnival season of Teatro Carcano in Milan.
- The creative team would consist of the singers, soprano Giuditta Pasta and tenor Giovanni Battista Rubini, whereas the libretto will be written by Felice Romani (one of the greatest librettists of his time).
- The libretto of the opera was inspired by the ballet La Sonnambule written by Eugène Scribe. Romani however altered the story line following Donizetti's melodic demands and expectations.
- The opera is considered to fall in the category of "opera semiseria" which combines the serious and comic plot twists.
- La Sonnambula was a great success and was also performed in 1835 in New York at the Park Theater.
- Librettist Felice Romani wrote the libretto for Bellini's eight operas. Bellini composed ten operas in total.
- Bellini disliked working under deadlines.
- Vincenzo Bellini and Gaetano Donizetti were rivals.
- The Italian opera culture of the 1800 expected composers to compose operas with specific singers in mind.
- The Diva Giuditta Pasta is considered to be the precursor of Maria Callas.
- Vincenzo Bellini and Giuditta Pasta were close friends. Bellini composed for her the operatic roles of Norma, La Sonnambula and Beatrice di Tenta.
References:
The Metropolitan Opera - Synopsis
The Metropolitan Opera - Programme Notes
2023
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