Opera Monday: Mira, o Norma
The Opera: Norma by Vincenzo Bellini, libretto (lyrics) by Felice Romani. Premiered at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, December 26, 1831.
The Artists: Australian coloratura soprano Dame Joan Sutherland (b. Nov. 7, 1926) and American mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne (b. Jan. 16, 1934.) [Note: This is obviously a televised concert setting; I was unable to ascertain its provenance. If anyone knows, please let me know.]
The Story: Norma (Sutherland) is a druid priestess, secretly in love with the Roman proconsul Pollione, by whom she has had two children. Pollione has begun to pursue Norma’s friend, Adalgisa (Horne), who, unaware of Norma’s relationship with him, confesses her love for the proconsul to her friend. In this famous duet from Act II, “Mira, o Norma,” Adalgisa tells Norma of her intention to go to Pollione to persuade him to return to Norma, and swears her everlasting friendship to the priestess.
Why It’s Fabulous: Bellini’s Norma is considered by many to be the masterpiece of what is known as the bel canto (literally “beautiful singing”) genre of opera. Bel canto grew out of the Italian opera tradition, and reached its height in the early to mid-nineteenth century, notably in the operas of Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, and Gioacchino Rossini. According to The Oxford Dictionary of Opera, it emphasizes “beautiful tone, fine legato phrasing, and impeccable technique, though not at the total expense of dramatic expression.”
Not only does “Mira, o Norma” exemplify the traits that make this style of singing so exciting, this clip features two of its greatest exponents, Sutherland and Horne, at the peak of their powers. It gives us a taste of these two extraordinary voices, blending in exquisite harmony; each retaining the unique qualities that make these artists instantly recognizable.
Libretto:
| ADALGISA Mira, o Norma, a’ tuoi ginocchi questi cari tuoi pargoletti! Ah! Pietade di lor ti tocchi, se non hai di te pietà! |
ADALGISA See, O Norma, at your knees your dear children. Let pity for them move you, if you feel no pity for yourself! |
| NORMA Ah! Perchè, perchè la mia costanza voi scemar con molli affetti? Più lusinghe, ah, più speranza pesso a morte un cor non ha! |
NORMA Ah! Why do you try to weaken me with such soft feelings? Such illusions, such hopes are not for one about to die! |
| ADALGISA Mira questi cari pargoletti, questi cari, ah, li vedi, ah! Mira, o Norma, a’ tuoi ginocchi, etc.
|
ADALGISA See these dear children, these dear ones, ah, see them! See, O Norma, at your knees, etc. |
| NORMA Ah! Perchè, perchè la mia costanza, etc.
|
NORMA Ah! Why do you try to weaken me, etc. |
| ADALGISA Cedi! Deh, cedi! |
ADALGISA Relent! Ah, yield! |
| NORMA Ah! Lasciami! Ei t’ama. |
NORMA Ah! Leave me! He loves you. |
| ADALGISA Ei già sen pente. |
ADALGISA And already he repents. |
| NORMA E tu? |
NORMA And you? |
| ADALGISA L’amai. Quest’anima Sol l’amistade or sente. |
ADALGISA I loved him. Now I feel only friendship. |
| NORMA O giovinetta! E vuoi? |
NORMA O, child! And what will you do? |
| ADALGISA Renderti i dritti tuoi, O teco al cielo agli uomini Giuro celarmi ognor. |
ADALGISA Return to you what is yours, or hide myself, with you, from God and man. |
| NORMA Sì. Hai vinto. Abbracciami. Trovo un’amica amor. |
NORMA Yes. You have won. Embrace me. I have found a loving friend. |
| NORMA ED ADALGISA Sì, fino all’ore estreme compagna tua m’avrai. Per ricovrarci insieme Ampia è la terra assai. Teco del fato all’onte Ferma opporrò la fronte, Finchè il tuo core a battere Io senta sul mio cor, sì. |
NORMA AND ADALGISA Yes, until the end of my days, I shall stay with you. The earth is big enough to shelter us both from love. Together with you, courageously, we shall fight outrageous Destiny, as long as in our breasts our loving hearts will beat. |
Recommended Listening:
Norma (Vincenzo Bellini) ~ Decca (196?); Sutherland, Horne, Alexander, Cross, Minton, Ward, London Symphony Orchestra/Bonynge
Norma (Vincenzo Bellini) ~ EMI/Angel (1954); Callas, Stignani, Filippeschi, Rossi-Lemeni, Caroli, Cavallari, Orch. del Teatro alla Scala, Milano/Serafin
