The Opera Goers' Complete Guide; Comprising Two Hundred and Nine Opera Plots with Musical Numbers and Casts - Softcover
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ...seeking Fenella, approaches. (Duet: "Rather death than a shameful life.") Fenella suddenly appears, falls into Masaniello's arms and confesses her shame. Frenzied, he calls his companions to arms. Act III. Market place at Naples. (Chorus: "Come, old, young, large and small"; Ballet: "Tarantelle.") Selva attempts to arrest Fenella once more and is slain by Masaniello. (Chorus, prayer: "Heavenly Father, have mercy.") Act IV. Hut of Masaniello. (Recitative, aria and scene of Masaniello: "Oh day of horrors.") He watches the slumber of his exhausted sister. (Lullaby: "Oh sweet slumber!") Pietro reports that the people are thirsting for the blood of Alfonso. He departs, and Alfonso and Elvira come to ask shelter of Fenella. She wishes to save her lover, but declares that her rival shall die. (Cavatina of Elvira: "Oh, spare my life.") Fenella relents, and asks Masaniello to protect both. He entertains them hospitably. The magistrates approach surrounded by the people and bring Masaniello the golden key of the city. Pietro recognises Alfonso. Masaniello, learning his identity, is enraged, but bound by his promise, saves him from the people's wrath. (Terzett and chorus: "You gave your word.") Masaniello accepts the crown of Naples and leaves the hut. Act V. Hall in the palace with distant view of Vesuvius. (Pietro and chorus, barcarole: "See, see, upon wild waves.") Borella reports the approach of Alfonso and his army; the people have faith in Masaniello, but he has become insane through poison given to him by the jealous Pietro. When he hears the name of Alfonso he calls his followers to arms and hastens to battle. Alfonso is victorious, Masaniello falls, and Fenella, ascending the terrace overlooking the bay, plunges into the sea and is drowned....
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