La Straniera (The Stranger)

Vincenzo Bellini. Melodramma in two acts. 1828. Libretto by Felice Romani, after the novel L'étrangère (The Stranger) by Victor-Charles Prévôt. First performance at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, on 14th February 1829.

CHARACTERS

In 13th century Brittany Arturo, Count of Ravenstal, is in love with the mysterious stranger Alaide, who is, in fact, Agnese, sister of Baron Valdeburgo and banished former wife of the King of France, who has been compelled to return to his wife Isemberga. Arturo is to marry Isoletta, daughter of the Lord of Montolino, but confides in Valdeburgo his love for the stranger. Observing the Baron's meeting with and recognition of his sister, Arturo suspects that they are lovers, attacks and wounds Valdeburgo and, learning the truth from Alaide, leaps into the lake where Valdeburgo has fallen, in order to save him. Meanwhile Alaide's cries for help have resulted in charges of murder. She is tried, together with Arturo, who admits his guilt, and both are released when Valdeburgo returns. He will now allow Arturo to see Alaide only if he promises to marry Isoletta. At the wedding Isoletta is unwilling to proceed, while Alaide, who has hidden in the chapel, now emerges to lead the couple back to the altar. News comes of the death of Isemberga, Queen of France, which allows Alaide to resume her position. Arturo kills himself and Alaide, praying for death, falls to the ground.

The second collaboration between Bellini and Felice Romani, La Straniera (The Stranger) includes a number of very effective choruses. The second scene, set by Alaide's hut in the woods, brings her sad Ah! sventurato il cor che fida (Ah! Unlucky the heart that trusts), an element in a major soprano rôle.