Synopsis
Peasants
of an Italian village are having rest after the farm work. Adina,
a pretty country belle, is sitting aside reading a book. The book
tells the story of Tristan and Isolde and a wonderful elixir that
brings the heart into obsessive passion. A young farmer Nemorino,
desperately in love with Adina, is keeping an eye on her.
Belcore,
a recruiting sergeant, arrives in the village at the head
of a regiment of soldiers. To Nemorino’s horror, Belcore
makes a proposal to Adina. The coquette doesn’t know who
to choose, as her heart seems to be silent.
A colorful wagon has come to the
village — that is Dr Dulcamara, a peripatetic quack, selling
different potions and arcana. Nemorino purchases a bottle allegedly
containing “the elixir of love”, ordinary wine in reality. Eager
to give it a try, Nemorino swallows the magic potion. The effect
shows at once. Half-drunk, he flirts with girls making Adina jealous.
Adina, being
piqued, declares she will marry Belcore. Nemorino, in despair, seeking
Adina’s love wants to buy another bottle of the elixir but he’s short
of money. Belcore enlists him in the army and thus Nemorino secures
the necessary money. Now he’s able to get the magic elixir.
Gianetta brings
stunning news: Nemorino’s uncle has died, leaving him sole heir. Now the young
peasant is a desirable date mate. All the girls surround Nemorino with
attention, which he thinks is due to the elixir. Its efficacy has
been proved — everybody loves him. Adina is jealous but when she
learns that Nemorino has sold his freedom to win her, she is deeply
moved and realizes she loves him. She buys back his enlistment papers and
finally admits her love. The lovers are happy. Dulcamara hasn’t expected such
efficacy of his elixir and such fame and promises to come back with
new stock of magic potions. Belcore is sure he’ll find another fiancйe
and leaves the village. The peasants see the sergeant and his soldiers
off.
Mariinsky Theatre: 
Mariinsky-2 (New Theatre): 
Mariinsky Concert Hall: 
