Norma, Quarantined

What to know

Vincenzo Bellini is considered one of the most efficient of the of the Italian operatic composers of the first half of the nineteenth century and made the greatest impact with the smallest amount of works. He wrote only 10 operas, but many are still in the standard repertoire, compare that to Rossini’s 38 opera, Donizetti’s 65 operas, or Verdi’s 28 operas.

Bellini set himself apart with his sensitivity in the setting of text, opting for good texts, especially by his preferred poet, Felice Romani. His ability to beautifully set text even garnered the rare compliment from Richard Wagner who wrote, “Bellini is one of my predilections: his music is all heart, closely, intimately linked to the words.”

Bellini was aware of his need for good singers and would negotiate who would sing the premieres of his operas. He was also very loyal to the singers he liked and would often work with them for many operas. Norma, as well as, La sonnambula and Beatrice di Tenda were premiered by the prima donna Giuditta Pasta.

Norma was not an immediate success, but the aria “Casta Diva” was instantly reverenced as a masterpiece. Bellini ultimately rewrote the great aria 6 times in search of the perfect sound.

Bellini died of dysentery at the age of 33 in the suburbs of Paris. The inscription on his tomb in Sicily comes from La sonnambula: “Ah! non credea mirarti sì presto estinto, o fiore” (“I did not believe you would fade so soon, O flower”).

Read more about Bellini from Music with Vision and from Journal Online.

Cast(A) Diva!

One of the most iconic moments and arias in Norma is the title character’s entrance aria “Casta Diva.” Some of the greatest divas in the last 200 years have sung this role, here are links to a few of them singing this beautiful aria. Callas, Sutherland, Caballe, Price, Yoncheva, Netebko, Fleming.

A Drink fit for a composer!

What better to celebrate Vincenzo Bellini’s opera Norma than a cocktail with the same name as the composer. The “Bellini” is a classic Italian cocktail made with peach nectar and prosecco, watch John build it here. So while the opera is filled with lots of drama, sit back and dream of the Amalfi Coast with this refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. peach purée, prosecco, peach slice for garnish. Directions: Add peach purée to a Champagne flute, top with prosecco, and garnish with a slice of peach. Enjoy!

Synopsis

Norma in a minute!

Norma is an opera that centers around a love triangle between two Druid priestesses and a Roman soldier. Norma, the head priestess, has fallen in love with the Roman soldier Pollione and has broken her vow of chastity and bore him two sons. Pollione has fallen in love with another Druid priestess, Adalgisa, and wants her to come with him to Rome and be his wife. Adalgisa seeks the advice of Norma and they quickly learn that they are both in love with Pollione. Both swear loyalty to each other and not this Roman soldier. Norma contemplates killing her sons to save them from future disgrace, but ultimately spares them and asks Adalgisa to take them and go with Pollione to Rome. Adalgisa refuses and insists on bringing Pollione back to Norma and do right by her. When Pollione spurns Norma again, she takes to the altar and calls for war against the Romans. As everyone gathers around the altar, Norma confesses breaking her vows and throws herself onto the pyre of fire as a sacrifice. Pollione, overcome with Norma’s sacrifice, throws himself onto the fire with her.

Don’t want read a long plot, who does? Learn about this great Bellini opera from this 3 minute clip from Dallas Opera: Opera in Brief.

Here is a full synopsis from Liveabout.com