Le Corsaire

Violetta has chosen a life with Alfredo, and they enjoy their love in the country, far from society (“De’ miei bollenti spiriti”). When Alfredo finds out that this is only possible because Violetta has been selling her property, he immediately leaves for Paris to procure money. Violetta has received an invitation to a masked ball, but she no longer cares for such distractions.
While Alfredo is in Paris, his father, Giorgio Germont, visits Violetta. He demands that she separate from his son, as their relationship threatens his daughter’s impending marriage (“Pura siccome un angelo”). Over the course of their conversation, Germont comes to realize Violetta’s unselfish love. Violetta’s resistance dwindles and she finally agrees to leave Alfredo forever, asking that after her death he shall learn the truth (“Mor- rò! La mia memoria”).
Violetta accepts the invitation to the ball and writes a goodbye letter to her lover. Alfredo returns, and while he is reading the letter, his father appears to console him (“Di Provenza il mar, il suol”). But all the memories of his home and his happy family can’t prevent the furious and jealous Alfredo from seeking revenge for Violetta’s apparent betrayal.
At the masked ball, news has spread of Violetta and Alfredo’s separation. Meanwhile, Violetta and her new lover, Baron Douphol, have arrived. Alfredo and the Baron battle at the gaming table and Alfredo wins. When everybody has withdrawn, Alfredo confronts Violetta, who claims to be truly in love with the Baron. In his rage Alfredo calls the guests as witnesses and declares that he doesn’t owe Violetta anything (“Ogni suo aver tal femmina”). He throws his winnings at her. Giorgio Germont, who has witnessed the scene, rebukes his son for his behavior. The Baron challenges his rival to a duel.

Violetta is dying. Alfredo’s father has written to Violetta, informing her that his son was not injured in the duel. Full of remorse, Germont has told his son about Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo wants to rejoin her as soon as possible. Violetta is afraid that he might be too late (“Addio, del passato bei sogni ridenti”). The sound of rampant celebrations are heard outside. But Alfredo does arrive (“Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo”). Violetta’s energy and exuberant joy of life return. All sorrow and suffering seem to have left her — a final illusion, before death claims her.

The old bachelor Don Pasquale plans to marry in order to punish his rebellious nephew, Ernesto, who is in love with the young widow Norina. Pasquale wants an heir so he can cut the young man off without a penny. He consults Dr. Malatesta, who suggests as a bride his own beautiful younger sister. Feeling rejuvenated, the delighted Pasquale asks Malatesta to arrange a meeting at once. Ernesto arrives and again refuses to marry a woman of his uncle’s choice. Pasquale tells him that he will have to leave the house, then announces his own marriage plans to his astonished nephew. With no inheritance, Ernesto sees his dreams evaporating. To make matters worse, he learns that his friend Malatesta has arranged Pasquale’s marriage. On her terrace, Norina laughs over a silly romantic story she’s reading. She is certain of her own ability to charm a man. Malatesta arrives. He is in fact plotting on her and Ernesto’s behalf and explains his plan: Norina is to impersonate his sister, marry Pasquale in a mock ceremony, and drive him to such desperation that he will be at their mercy. Norina is eager to play the role if it will help her and Ernesto to be together.

Ernesto, who knows nothing of Malatesta’s scheme, is desperate about the ap- parent loss of Norina and imagines his future as an exile. Pasquale, on the other hand, is impatient to meet his bride-to-be and enchanted when Malatesta introduces the timid “Sofronia.” Pasquale decides to get married at once. During the wedding ceremony, Ernesto bursts in. Malatesta quickly and quietly explains to him what is going on and Ernesto plays witness to the wedding contract. As soon as the document is sealed and Pasquale has signed over his fortune to his bride, Norina changes her act from demure girl to willful shrew. The shocked Pasquale protests, to the delight of Norina, Ernesto, and Malatesta.

Pasquale’s new “wife” has continued her extravagant ways and amassed a stack of bills. When servants arrive carrying more purchases, Pasquale furiously resolves to assert his rights as husband. Norina, dressed elegantly for the theater, slap him when he tries to bar her way, even if she feels sympathy for the old man’s pain. As she leaves, she drops a letter implying that she has a rendezvous with an unknown suitor in the garden that night. The desperate Pasquale sends for Malatesta. Malatesta first tells Ernesto to make sure that Pasquale will not recognize him when he plays his part in the garden that evening. Then, alone with Pasquale, Malatesta assures him they will trap “Sofronia” in a compromising situation. Pasquale is happy to leave everything to Malatesta.
In the garden, Ernesto serenades Norina, and the two declare their love. Pasquale and Malatesta arrive – too late to catch the young man, who slips into the house, while “Sofronia” plays the innocent wife. Malatesta then announces that Ernesto is about to introduce his own bride, Norina, into the house. “Sofronia” protests she will never share the roof with another woman and threatens to leave. Pasquale is overjoyed and grants permission for Ernesto to marry Norina, with his inheritance. When Sofronia’s identity is finally revealed, Pasquale accepts the situation with good humour: marriage is not for an old man.