Margherita d'Anjou

A semi-serious melodrama in two acts
By Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791 - 1864)

Cast

Margherita d'Anjou, widow of Henry VI of England, soprano
The Duke of Lavarenne, grand seneschal [steward] of Normandy, tenor
Isaura, his wife, disguised as Eugenio, contralto
Carl Belmonte, general banished by the Queen, leader of the Scots Highlanders, currently employed by Gloucester, bass
Michele Gamautte, French physician, bass
Riccard, Duke of Gloucester, bass
Bellapunta, official of Margherita, tenor
Orner, official of Margherita, baritone
Highlanders, English & French soldiers, Vivandieres [female cooks, sellers of food, wines & spirits to soldiers in French & English armies; camp followers].

Synopsis

ACT I

An encampment on the bank of a river. The army of Margherita d'Anjou, widow of Henry VI, led by Orner and Bellapunta, drink to their queen's honour. Carlo Belmonte, formerly one of Margherita's generals, now banished and currently in the employ of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, enters the camp. As he mingles with the soldiers and peasants Margherita enters with her retinue and addresses her troops, praising their support and promising to reward their loyalty. Margherita's excitement mounts as joyous military music in the distance promises the arrival of the Due de Lavarenne. She goes to meet him.

Michele arrives accompanied by Eugene (Isaura - Lavarennes wife - in disguise), who sings of her love for her husband while Michele pours scorn on her emotions. Isaura reveals Lavarennes love for Margherita, both of whom arrive with their entourage.

Lavarenne announces an attack on Gloucester's camp for the following day and predicts victory. Isaura despairs of her position and Michele attempts to soothe her. Isaura (still disguised as Eugenio) and Michele are presented to Margherita, who immediately appoints 'Eugenio' as companion to her son.

The interior of a tent. Lavarenne has resolved to reveal to the queen the secret of his marriage. Isaura enters his tent as he is writing his confessional letter; he instructs Isaura to give the letter to the queen if he does not survive the coming day's battle. A cannon shot is followed by distant trumpets indicating soldiers outside the encampment; Lavarenne tells Margherita that they are men of the Duke of Somerset come to assist, but Carlo knows that they are in fact Gloucester's men that he has alerted. To the assembled throng, Margherita praises the courage of Lavarenne as she presents young Edward, the heir to the throne. The crowd cheer their future king.

A dense forest. Carlo returns to the Highlanders' camp in the forest, and reports the defeat of Margherita and Lavarenne's army. Michele is apprehended by Carlo's men and appointed doctor to the Highlanders. In the dark, Lavarenne, Isaura and Michele appear, one by one, among the rocks. The Highlanders lay a trap for Margherita who is also wandering in the forest; they ambush her. Just as they are about to assassinate her, Carlo reveals himself to Margherita and, despite her treatment of him, vows his allegiance, and instructs the Highlanders to do likewise. Carlo proposes that his Highlanders should lure the enemy away while all make their way back to the camp; Margherita, disguised as a peasant woman, will stay in Carlo's cottage in the forest. As distant trumpets reveal the approach of Gloucester's army, all pray that heaven will protect them in this moment of danger.

ACT II

The Scottish countryside, as in Act I. It is just before dawn. A group of soldiers yearn for revenge as Gloucester appears. He is furious that Margherita is still at large. He orders the entire forest burned down. Carlo, his allegiance to the Queen renewed, attempts to deceive Gloucester as to her whereabouts.

A small village with several cottages, near the forest. It is broad daylight. Highland men and women, enjoying the beautiful day, wander off into the countryside. From the cottage where she is hiding, Margherita appears in disguise. She reflects on recent events but returns to her cottage when an approaching soldier is spotted by the Highlanders. Isaura arrives and delivers Lavarenne's letter and reveals her true identity to Margherita. The queen, although shocked, is wise enough to see that Isaura is devoted to Lavarenne.

Inside a tent, as in Act I. Lavarenne knows he must choose between the two women in his life. Although he is fiercely loyal to Margherita, he realises he still loves Isaura.

Interior of a cottage. Michele, now the cook, sends Carlo to answer the loud knocking on the door. It is Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in search of Margherita and her son. He interrogates Michele and is suspicious of the latter's 'wife' whom he demands to see. Margherita is brought in and Gloucester recognises her. Just as he threatens her, Lavarenne and a detachment of French soldiers enter, but Gloucester grabs Margherita's son and, threatening to kill him, attempts to use him as a means of escape. Michele has, in the meantime, absented himself and now returns with some Highlanders who disarm Gloucester.

A village, as before. Bellapunta congratulates his officers on their victory. Michele attempts once more to convince Isaura that she will regain Lavarenne. Isaura is uncertain but Margherita comes in and presents the Duke to Isaura. Lavarenne asks forgiveness and Isaura expresses her happiness as the opera closes with husband and wife reunited.

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Giacomo Meyerbeer
(1791-1864)