Composed in 1835, this tragic opera is in part based upon Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor, set in 17th century Scotland.
The plot concerns Lucia – she is the sister of Enrico Ashton, who needs to make money, so marries her off to Lord Arturo Bucklaw of Lammermoor Castle despite her being in love with Edgardo, whose father was killed by Enrico.
The wedding is hastily arranged, and to ensure that Lucia goes through with it, Enrico has letters forged to make Lucia think that Edgardo has been unfaithful, and so she goes through with the wedding. Edgardo turns up, sees the wedding contract, and denounces Lucia.
During a fierce storm, Enrico and Edgardo agree to a duel, whilst Lucia has gone mad (there’s a famous ‘scene’) and has killed Arturo. Lucia, exhausted physically and mentally, portrays an imaginary wedding with an imaginary Edgardo. Come the morning of the duel, Edgardo is told that Lucia has died, and kills himself.
For today’s choice, we backtrack slightly to the wedding, and the singing of the guests:
The Listening Project Blog 