Librettist: Salvatore Commarano
Based on Kabale und Liebe a play by Frederich Schiller

Cast of Characters

• Count Walter, (bass)
• Rodolfo, (tenor) his son
• Miller, (baritone) an old soldier
• Luisa, (soprano) his daughter
• Federica, Duchessa of Ostheim (mezzo-soprano) Walter's niece
• Laura, (mezzo-soprano) a peasant girl
• Wurm, (bass) Walter's steward
• Ladies attending the Duchess, Pages, Servants and villagers.

Setting

The Tyrol in the first half of the Eighteenth Century.

Premiere

8^th December 1849; Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Italy.

Plot

Rodolfo has fallen in love with a peasant girl, Luisa and conceals his identity in order to test her love. Rodolfo's father plans to have him marry the Duchessa to strengthen his own position. Wurm meanwhile covets Luisa and forces her to betray Rodolfo. On the eve of their weddings, Rodolfo and Luisa drink poison and the truth of her betrayal is learned a little late.

Memorable sections of music

The Overture
Lo vidi, e l'primo palpito
A brani, a brani, o perfido
Quando le sere al placido
the Final Trio

Additional Information:

• Performance History
• Synopsis
• Libretto
• Prose of Cammarano
• Discography

Copyright © Stephen L. Parker, 1996.