One of the most popular operas in the world can be created in 10 days. An example of such creativity is Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti. Every year the three-act opera buff is performed in 150 theaters around the world.
The premiere of the performance took place on the third day of 1843 at the Italian Opera in Paris.
First act
The narration opens with an overture. It is followed by the first act, consisting of 2 pictures.
Scene one
The action opens with complaints from old bachelor Don Pasquale to his friend, Dr. Malatesta. The old man complains about life and about his nephew. Pasquale dreams of marrying his heir Ernesto to a rich bride in order to arrange family happiness with his young wife himself.
However, the stubborn guy is in no hurry to marry a special uncle chosen by him. Moreover, Ernesto admitted that he already has a chosen one. The relative was so infuriated by such arbitrariness that he indicated the door to his nephew. The young man must leave the house no later than tomorrow morning.
Scene two
In Norina's house, a young widow is Ernesto's chosen one. The beauty recalls how many applicants she rejected because of her feelings. Malatesta, who came to the girl, talks about Pasquale's plans, inviting Norina to teach a despot a lesson.
The Doctor decides to introduce Norina as his sister who grew up in a monastery. Carlito, a relative of Malatesta, a notary will help draw up a fictitious marriage contract. The task of Safronia-Norina will be to demonstrate in all the glory of the life of an elderly husband with a young wife. The widow willingly agrees to this.
Second act
Ernesto says goodbye to his home. Don Pasquale is glad to get rid of the guy soon: now he can start a new life. Norina and Malatesta arrive. The girl strikes the hero with modesty and shyness. The owner is so enamored that he immediately makes a marriage. The imaginary notary Carlito does not keep you waiting. The nephew who rushed in to say goodbye to a relative becomes a witness.
At the sight of the bride, the young man is shocked. Not wanting to spoil the idea, Malatesta quickly explains the idea to the guy, persuading him to enter the participants of the rally and become a witness. Ernesto hardly agrees. Contract signed.
The young wife is transforming. The modest one is replaced by a real fury. She demands money from Pasquale and insists on the presence of Ernesto in the house. The old man realizes that he was greatly mistaken in the vision of the family.
Third act
The first scene of the third act shows a completely changed house. In it, servants, shop assistants collide with bills and goods. All services must be paid by the owner of the real estate shocked by this state of affairs. But his wife is happy: Norina received the selected outfits, jewelry, and is going to an appointment.
Scene one
Outraged by her behavior, Pasquale tries to detain the windy wife, but she is not going to tolerate such behavior. Norina had dropped the note as if by accident. From it, the discouraged husband learns that he has a rival who has an appointment in the garden.
The old man clutches his head: this is in addition to the fact that he is almost ruined by a huge number of servants demanding wages and goods that must pay.
When Malatesta appears, Pasquale complains about his fate. He begs his friend to help catch the cheater red-handed in order to dissolve the marriage. The doctor agrees.
Scene two
The second scene opens with a scene of Ernesto waiting in Norina's garden. After the explanation, the couple has to leave, as the angry spouse of the false Safronia appears. Ernesto flees, and Norina claims that nothing happened. The plan failed, and Pasquale begs for a divorce.
The nephew who appears, together with the doctor, reveals to the uncle the secret of their prank. The relative is not angry for long: he is happy that he can part with his young wife. Upon learning that Norina and Ernesto are in love with each other, the old man blesses the couple.
