jan 1, 1835 - Lucia di Lammermoor
Description:
The most significant serious opera was Lucia di Lammermoor (1835), based on the novel The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott.a. The novel was very popular and belongs to the realm of Gothic Romance, which was all the rage in the nineteenth century.
b. Essentially, the plot follows the Romeo and Juliet theme of family opposition to a young couple’s union.
c. The sextet imbroglio from Act II is one of the most famous in opera.
d. Lucia provided the prototype “mad scene,” in which the character, usually a soprano, expresses her madness through coloratura singing.
KEY TERM: mad scene (see point d)
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1835
Now
~ 190 years ago