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L'elisir d'amore

'The Elixir of Love', or 'L'elisir d'amore', has been a rampant success since its premier in 1832, despite being composed in only 13 days! It contains the popular aria "Una furtiva lagrima", a romanza for the tenor that is one of the most famous arias in all of opera.

Donizetti's music for this comic opera set in two acts perfectly captures the light-heartedness of the story, which takes place in rural Italy, in the early 19th-century. Nemorino, a peasant, asks the quack Dulcamara for a magic potion which he hopes will allow him to win the beautiful Adina's love. However, his efforts are jeopardised by the self-important Seargeant Belcore, who also has his eyes set on Adina. Unbeknown to both these suitors, Adina actually has feelings for Nemorino - but in light of the peasant's aloofness, due to his confidence that the potion (which is actually just wine) will work, she accepts Belcore's proposal. Laughter and close calls follow as the story is translated into Donizetti's operatic genius.