Composer

:

Daniel-François-Esprit Auber

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1831

Average_duration

:

09:23

Le Philtre is an opera composed by Daniel-François-Esprit Auber, with a libretto by Eugène Scribe. The opera was first performed on August 12, 1831, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of the peasant girl Adina and the young farmer Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with her. The story takes place in a small village in Italy, where Nemorino is desperately trying to win Adina's heart. Adina, however, is not interested in him and is instead attracted to the dashing Sergeant Belcore, who has just arrived in the village with his regiment. Nemorino, feeling hopeless, turns to the local quack doctor, Dulcamara, for help. Dulcamara sells him a love potion, which he claims will make Adina fall in love with him. Nemorino drinks the potion and, believing that it will take effect in 24 hours, becomes increasingly confident in his pursuit of Adina. Meanwhile, Belcore proposes to Adina, who agrees to marry him. Nemorino, desperate to win Adina's heart before it's too late, enlists in Belcore's regiment in order to earn some money to buy more of the love potion. As the day of Adina and Belcore's wedding approaches, Nemorino becomes increasingly desperate. However, when he learns that his wealthy uncle has died and left him a fortune, he is suddenly the object of everyone's attention, including Adina's. She realizes that she loves him and they are finally united. Le Philtre is a charming and lighthearted opera, with catchy melodies and witty dialogue. Auber's music is characterized by its lightness and elegance, with a particular emphasis on the vocal lines. The opera is divided into two acts, with a total of 14 musical numbers. The most famous of these is the aria "Una furtiva lagrima," which is sung by Nemorino in Act II. Le Philtre was a great success when it premiered in 1831 and has remained popular ever since. It is considered one of Auber's most successful operas and is still performed regularly today. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Auber's skill as a composer and Scribe's talent as a librettist.

More....