Norma

An Opera in Two Acts

by Vincenzo Bellini (1801 – 1835)

Libretto by Felice Romani
after the play Norma, ou L’infanticide by Alexandre Soumet

Premiered in Teatro alla Scala, Milan on 26 December 1831

Cast

Production

A 2015 production from the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona

Direction by Kevin Newbury

Stage revival by R B Schlather

Set Design by David Korins

Costume Design by Jessica Jahn

Lighting Design by D M Wood

The Orchestra and Chorus of Teatre del Liceu
conducted by Renato Palumbo

Synopsis

Act One: Scene 1

The Druids and warriors of ancient Gaul gather at night in the forest. Oroveso leads them in a prayer for revenge upon their Roman oppressors.

Pollione enters with Flavio, to whom he confesses his love for the young Adalgisa.

He fears the wrath of Norma, who has broken her vows of chastity for Pollione and borne him two sons.

The Druids are heard approaching. Norma replies to Oroveso’s demand that the time is not yet ready for war. Praying to the Moon Goddess for peace, Norma reminisces to herself about the early days of her love for Pollione. Adalgisa arrives to pray for the strength to resist Pollione, and when he appears she eventually agrees to leave with him the next day for Rome.

Scene 2

In a secret dwelling where she keeps her children concealed, Norma tells Clotilda that Pollione has been recalled to Rome and that she fears he may desert her. The children are led away as Adalgisa enters. She confesses that she has betrayed her faith and is in love. Norma reassures Adalgisa and releases her from her vows. Pollione meets Norma’s reproaches with scorn, and Adalgisa rejects him.

Act Two:  Scene 1

That same night Norma tries to bring herself to murder the children in their sleep, but she cannot, and instead summons Adalgisa. Norma bids Adalgisa take the children to Pollione and become his wife, but instead Adalgisa offers to go to Pollione and remind him of his duty to Norma and their children.

Scene 2

The Gallic warriors assemble, renewing their demands for an attack on the Romans. Norma is shattered to learn that Adalgisa’s entreaties have failed. In a fury Norma summons the Druids. She strikes the war shield three times and proclaims war and destruction on the Romans. Oroveso calls on Norma to name a victim for ritual sacrifice. Clotilda announces that a Roman has profaned the sanctuary and attempted to abduct a priestess from the temple.

When Pollione is dragged in to be slain Norma promises to save him if he will abandon Adalgisa. She tells him Adalgisa will be burned alive because she has been false to her vows. Pollione begs for her life to be saved.

Norma summons the people to announce the sacrificial victim, a perjured priestess who has broken her sacred vows. She orders that a pyre be prepared, but instead of naming Adalgisa, Norma reveals that she herself is the guilty one. Pollione insists on sharing her fate.