"Una furtiva lagrima" is a famous aria from Gaetano Donizetti's opera "L'elisir d'amore" (The Elixir of Love), which was composed in 1832. Here are some interesting facts about the aria and the opera:
Comedic Opera: "L'elisir d'amore" is an Italian comic opera, or "opera buffa." It combines humorous and lighthearted elements with beautiful music, making it a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.
Premiere: The opera premiered on May 12, 1832, at the Teatro della Canobbiana in Milan, Italy. It was an immediate success and remains one of Donizetti's most frequently performed operas.
Librettist: The libretto (text of the opera) for "L'elisir d'amore" was written by Felice Romani. Romani was a prominent librettist of his time and collaborated with several renowned composers, including Donizetti and Bellini.
Plot: The opera tells the story of a shy and naive young man named Nemorino, who is in love with the beautiful Adina. He purchases a love potion, believing it will make Adina fall in love with him. The aria "Una furtiva lagrima" comes in Act II, sung by Nemorino as he contemplates the genuine tear he sees in Adina's eye and interprets it as a sign of her love for him.
Aria Context: In "Una furtiva lagrima," Nemorino expresses his surprise and joy upon seeing a tear in Adina's eye. He interprets this as a sign that she might actually love him. The aria beautifully captures Nemorino's emotional state, blending moments of tenderness and hope.
Bel Canto Style: Donizetti's music in "L'elisir d'amore," including "Una furtiva lagrima," showcases the bel canto style. Bel canto emphasizes beautiful, expressive singing and a focus on vocal agility. This style is particularly evident in the lyrical and melodic lines of the aria.
Performance by Enrico Caruso: The aria "Una furtiva lagrima" gained even more popularity when it was recorded by the legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso in the early 20th century. Caruso's recording is still considered one of the definitive interpretations of the aria.
Universal Emotion: "Una furtiva lagrima" has resonated with audiences across cultures and languages due to its universal theme of unrequited love and the yearning for a genuine emotional connection.
Nemorino's Character Development: The aria marks a turning point in Nemorino's character arc. It showcases his vulnerability and reveals the depth of his feelings for Adina. This moment of introspection adds a layer of emotional complexity to the comedic aspects of the opera.
Crossover Appearances: The aria has been performed by numerous renowned tenors, both in opera houses and in crossover settings. Its emotive power and accessibility have made it a favorite among both opera enthusiasts and general audiences.
"Una furtiva lagrima" remains a poignant and emotionally charged aria that continues to captivate listeners with its beauty and depth of feeling.