Wednesday at 8 p.m., Classical MPR airs a live-performance recording of the Minnesota Opera's 2014-2015 production of Gaetano Donizetti's The Elixir of Love. Pierce Huxtable hosts.
The Elixir of Love is a comic opera that follows a love-struck country bumpkin (Nemorino) who sets out to win the heart of a feisty socialite. He's aided by a potion he believes is magic … but turns out to be only wine, sold to him by a snake-oil salesman, Dr. Dulcamara, whose claims of being a doctor seem dubious at best.
Directed by Helena Binder and conducted by Leonardo Vordoni, The Elixir of Love is one of the most popular and beloved bel canto operas. Literally "beautiful singing," this Italian bel canto period emphasizes intense emotional expression and showcases exquisite and elaborate vocal technique to tell its stories.
Cast
Nemorino, a simple peasant (Leonardo Capalbo)
Adina, a wealthy landlord (Nicole Cabell)
Belcore, a sergeant (David Pershall)
Dr. Dulcamara (Andrew Wilkowske)
Giannetta, a peasant girl (Shannon Prickett)
Enjoy a preview of the music you'll hear by viewing this video. The slideshow below takes you into the colorful stage design of this delightful comedy.
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