Lucia di Lammermoor

G. Donizetti

Lucia di Lammermoor

Opera in 2 acts
Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano after The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott

Cast

• Lord Enrico Ashton
• Lucia, his sister
• Sir Edgardo Ravenswood
• Lord Arturo Bucklaw
• Raimondo Bidebent, Lucia’s tutor
• Alisa, Lucia’s companion
• Normanno, captain of the guard at Ravenswood Castle
• Ladies and gentlemen, Ashton’s supporters, inhabitants of Lammermoor, pages, soldiers and Ashton’s servants

The story takes place at the end of the 17th century in Scotland, partly in Ravenswood Castle, partly in the ruins of the tower of Wolf’s Crag.

Act I

Scene 1: Two old families – the Ravenswoods and Ashtons – have been enemies since olden times. For one of them the strife has ended pitiably: Ravenswood Castle has been seized by Lord Enrico Ashton. The owner of the castle is killed, but the winner does not yet feel that he is the absolute master: after all Ravenswood’s son – Edgardo – is still alive. Enrico’s weak financial position also aggravates his alarm. The marriage of his sister Lucia to the well-known and powerful Lord Arturo Bucklaw could strengthen the family position, but, alas, Lucia refuses to marry him. The chaplain Raimondo Bidebent convinces Enrico not to be angry with his sister, explaining that she is too sad at her mother’s death to think of marriage. Enrico, however, insists that she marry Arturo.

Normanno, captain of the castle guard, explains to Enrico the true reason for his misfortunes. It appears that the girl loves Edgardo Ravenswood. The young man, too, has become attached to Lucia and, risking his life, keeps an appointment with her in the garden.

Enrico is wild with anger. His sister’s love for the son of his mortal enemy is a dishonour for the Ashtons. The guards inform Enrico that Edgardo was recently seen at the ruins of an old tower, but they were unable to detain him. The new castle owner demands that the young man be caught.

Scene 2: Twilight descends on Ravenswood Castle. Lucia and her friend Alisa are in the garden. The girls look round, but nobody is there. Edgardo has not yet arrived. Alisa reminds her friend of her brother: what if he finds Edgardo in the garden? But Lucia is assured that such fears are in vain: the young man is cautious enough. Other things worry the girl. Some time ago one of the Ravenswoods – Edgardo’s ancestor – in a fit of jealousy killed his wife near the fountain where they are standing. A phantom of the wretched woman appeared to Lucia recently. Alisa is sure that this is an evil omen and begs Lucia to abandon this dangerous love, but she cannot.

Now the time of painful waiting comes to an end. Edgardo arrives and Lucia rushes to him. However, her pleasure is diminished by unexpected news: Edgardo must leave for France to seek allies for Scotland. Exchanging rings, they bid farewell.

Scene 3: Enrico Ashton still insists on the marriage of his sister to Lord Bucklaw. Entreaties and tears are in vain – the brother remains adamant. When the girl dares to say that she is already pledged, Enrico gives her a forged letter from Edgardo to another woman. Shattered by Edgardo’s betrayal, she awaits the arrival of Arturo, her future husband. Enrico Ashton orders the start of preparations for the marriage ceremony.

Scene 4: Lucia is in despair. Even the chaplain Bidebent cannot find any consoling words. Believing that Edgardo has betrayed her, he begs the girl to reconcile herself to marriage.

Scene 5: In Ravenswood all wait for the groom. Supporters of Ashton – gentlemen and ladies, pages and soldiers, leading inhabitants of Lammermoor and their spouses – have gathered for the occasion. The guests enthusiastically welcome the arrival of Lord Arturo Bucklaw. Enrico asks the groom not to be surprised at his sister’s sad appearance. The recent death of their mother is the reason for her grief.

Bidebent and Alisa enter with the bride. Almost unconsciously Lucia signs the marriage contract.

At that moment Edgardo bursts in. Lord Bucklaw’s guards draw their swords. Edgardo is ready to fight, but Bidebent stands between the enemies. He shows Edgardo the marriage contract. The young man cannot believe his eyes: his beloved has betrayed him. In despair he throws his ring at Lucia’s feet and demands his own in return. Then he addresses his opponents – Lucia is lost to him, and life has no meaning anymore. Nobody, however, dares to shed the blood of the unhappy man. Edgardo leaves the castle.

Act II

Scene 1: Having found refuge in the ruins of the tower of Wolf’s Crag, in the old dilapidated castle of his ancestors, Edgardo indulges in gloomy memories. His loneliness is broken by Enrico. He challenges him to a duel. The enemies will fight at dawn on the following day.

Scene 2: In the magnificent apartments of Ashton Castle a wedding feast is taking place. At the height of the celebration Raimondo Bidebent brings terrible news: in a fit of despair, having lost her reason, Enrico’s sister has killed Lord Arturo. The unfortunate Lucia appears, clearly deranged. She again feels the presence of the phantom of the dead woman. Addressing an invisible Edgardo, she begs him to forgive her and collapses.

Scene 3: Lord Enrico, oppressed by grief, asks Raimondo Bidebent to look after his unfortunate sister. Raimondo curses Normanno for his treachery, which has brought so many misfortunes.

Scene 4: Early in the morning Edgardo comes to the Ravenswood Castle crypt to fight Enrico. Seeing the distressed guests leaving the castle, he senses that something terrible has happened. The young man hears about the tragedy. Confirming the sad news, the long and monotonous tolling of a bell is heard.

Edgardo rushes to the castle. He needs only one thing – to see Lucia. Bidebent blocks his way: Lucia is dead. Edgardo draws his dagger…

Edgardo’s death unites the lovers forever.