Recommended for Grades 6-12
In this resource, you will:
- Learn the opera’s background and synopsis
- Meet the opera’s composer
Lucia di Lammermoor
by Gaetano Donizetti
Lucia di Lammermoor
by Gaetano Donizetti
A quick overview of Donizetti’s 1838 tragic opera.
Background
Donizetti wrote Lucia di Lammermoor in 1835, when he was reaching the peak of his reputation as an opera composer. Gioachino Rossini had recently retired and Vincenzo Bellini had died shortly before the premiere of Lucia, leaving Donizetti as “the sole reigning genius of Italian opera.”
Not only were conditions ripe for Donizetti’s success as a composer, but there was also a widespread interest in the history and culture of Scotland. The perceived romance of its violent wars and feuds as well as its folklore and mythology intrigued 19th century readers and audiences. Walter Scott dramatized these elements in his novel The Bride of Lammermoor, which inspired several musical works including Lucia.
The story concerns the emotionally-fragile Lucy Ashton (Lucia) who is caught in a feud between her own family and that of the Ravenswoods. The setting is the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century.
The cabaletta “Spargi d’amaro pianto” following the more lyrical “Il dolce suono” from the “mad scene” (Act 3, Scene 2) has historically been a vehicle for several coloratura sopranos and is a technically and expressively demanding piece.
Synopsis
Act I
Scene 1: The gardens of Lammermoor Castle
Normanno, captain of the castle guard, and other retainers are searching for an intruder. He tells Enrico that he believes that the man is Edgardo of Ravenswood, and that he comes to the castle to meet Enrico’s sister, Lucia. It is confirmed that Edgardo is indeed the intruder. Enrico reaffirms his hatred for the Ravenswood family and his determination to end the relationship.
Scene 2: By a fountain at the entrance to the park, beside the castle
Lucia waits for Edgardo. In her famous aria “Regnava nel silenzio,” Lucia tells her maid Alisa that she has seen the ghost of a girl killed on the very same spot by a jealous Ravenswood ancestor. Alisa tells Lucia that the apparition is a warning and that she must give up her love for Edgardo. Edgardo enters; for political reasons, he must leave immediately for France. He hopes to make his peace with Enrico and marry Lucia. Lucia tells him this is impossible, but they still take a sworn vow of marriage and exchange rings. Edgardo leaves.
Act II
Scene 1: Lord Ashton’s apartments
Preparations have been made for the imminent wedding of Lucia to Arturo. Enrico worries about whether Lucia will really submit to the wedding. He shows his sister a forged letter seemingly proving that Edgardo has forgotten her and taken a new lover. Enrico leaves Lucia to further persuasion, this time by Raimondo, Lucia’s chaplain and tutor, that she should renounce her vow to Edgardo for the good of the family and marry Arturo.
Scene 2: A hall in the castle
Arturo arrives for the marriage. Lucia seems distressed, but Enrico explains that this is due to the death of her mother. Arturo signs the marriage contract, followed reluctantly by Lucia. At that point Edgardo suddenly appears in the hall, which leads to the celebrated sextet “Chi mi frena in tal momento.” Raimondo prevents a fight, and he shows Edgardo Lucia’s signature on the marriage contract. Edgardo curses her, demanding that they return their rings to each other. He tramples his ring on the ground, before being forced out of the castle.
Act III
Scene 1: Wolf’s Crag
Enrico visits Edgardo to challenge him to a duel. He tells him that Lucia is already enjoying her bridal bed. Edgardo agrees to fight him. They will meet later by the graveyard of the Ravenswoods, near the Wolf’s Crag.
Scene 2: A hall
Raimondo interrupts the marriage celebrations to tell the guests that Lucia has gone mad and killed her bridegroom Arturo. Lucia enters. In the aria “Il dolce suono,” she imagines being with Edgardo, soon to be happily married. Enrico enters. He initially threatens Lucia but later softens when he realizes her condition. Lucia collapses. Raimondo blames Enrico for precipitating the whole tragedy.
Scene 3: The graveyard of the Ravenswood family
Edgardo is resolved to kill himself on Enrico’s sword. He learns that Lucia is dying and then Raimondo comes to tell him that she has already died. Edgardo stabs himself with a dagger, hoping to be reunited with Lucia in heaven.
Meet the Artists
Listen to the Story
Nadine Sierra in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. The Metropolitan Opera.
Presented by Washington National Opera, host Saul Lilienstein takes you through the musical world of Donizetti’s 1838 opera, Lucia di Lammermoor.
Watch an Excerpt
The mad scene from Act III of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Natalie Dessay (Lucia).
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